Chapter 25: Moments In Time

Early the next morning the Kivuli pride was still sleeping in the cave. The animals outside were starting to wake and do their everyday things. Some birds were out, chirping slightly not wanting to wake the other animals that were still sleeping.

Everything was peaceful.

Inside the cave, the king was sleeping next to his mate and the light snoring of the pride could be heard in the pitch darkness.

Ewali woke up, slowly opening his eyes, squinting them as they adjusted to the cave's darkness. He yawned as quietly as he could so he didn't wake anyone. Shaking his head to wake up and rubbing the sleep out of his eyes with a paw, Ewali slowly scanned around the cave to see that all was well.

One by one his eyes locked on the forms of the lionesses and a smile crept to his face. "Everyone is doing well," he thought to himself, feeling pride in his heart.

He looked at his family members, his eyes resting on each one of them. First he looked at the cubs he had just recently taken in.

Each one of them were sleeping in good-sized spots that Cheshi was kind enough to share with them on his side of the cave. Ewali's heart filled with pride at what a kind and caring lion Cheshi was growing up to be.

"He's just as kind as Amani was. I'm just happy that Cheshi can take things seriously."

As he stared at the cubs, he noticed that his own cubs were sleeping next to them.

Machwa and Sheena were sleeping near each other. This made Ewali happy to know that his son was kind. He was so proud of the young cub placing a comforting paw on Sheena's shoulder as she cried the day before.

"He's so gentle and peaceful. I sort of wish he was born first," he thought.

Arazia had a good spot to herself and Cheshi was on the other side of her laying a few steps away.

As his gaze rested on his firstborn daughter, Ewali noticed that Samawati and Jemasi were sleeping near each other too.

He also noticed how peaceful Sammy looked while sleeping. "Samawati will make a great ruler," he thought with pride.

At the thought of new rulers, Ewali turned his head to where Ugas was sleeping with his 'family'.

Tau had informed Ewali that Ugas and Kilwa were hardly spending time together and that they were keeping their distance from each other as often as possible. Ugas' attitude wasn't helping him patch things up with his 'mate' and Ewali wasn't sure even now if Ugas and Kilwa's 'love' for each other was real love to begin with.

To make things worse, Ugas was still running off and shooting his mouth off to nearly everyone.

After his talk with Tau, Ewali was very understanding to the younger lion's concerns and fears about his son's attitude and social behavior.

A part of him still didn't understand why Ugas took in the new cubs. But he couldn't say 'no' to him since Ugas was almost an adult. "As I told Tau, I've tried my best, but Ugas has a closed mind."

He looked at the cubs Ugas had adopted and sighed sadly. "He shouldn't be caring for them!"

His eyes looked to where Tau was lying a few feet away with the new cubs by his side. "They must be afraid to sleep near Ugas," he thought. "I could see the look in Tau's eyes when he heard that Ugas was adopting Tarna, Shara, and Zarmu. There was shock and a bit of anger but it wasn't at them, it was at Ugas and I don't blame him."

The king felt a tear of sorrow for his friend come down his cheek, letting it fall soundlessly to the ground near his left paw.

He loved Tau as a son and told him so. Hearing this made Tau's fears and drowning spirits lift. He felt happy to know that Ewali thought of him in such a way but then again Ewali felt the same way with Cheshi and it didn't surprise him.

The light brown king regained his composure and stood up carefully because he didn't want to rub against Nakita and wake her up. He knew how tired she was in recent days and how she wanted to get back leading the hunting party and dealing with the pride's social issues. Ewali smiled and licked her on the ear, purring softly.

He got up, stretched his back legs, waking them up from sleep, and did the same with his front legs. He padded out of the cave, feeling the coolness of the damp air in his face and the cold ground underneath his paws.

Ewali looked up at the horizon seeing the colors change from gray blue to swirling colors of purple, orange and pink. He smiled and walked up the cliff, until his paws nearly touched the edge and sat down.

He felt a gentle breeze come in through the forest, touching the tops of the trees, and feeling it blow against his mane. Ewali inhaled the breeze, feeling it come into his mouth.

It felt like drinking the water from the waterfall. It was so crisp and clean that he felt as though he was drinking the water of the air.

It gave him a sense of peace, making him feel as if the world was still only for a moment, and that he was the only one there when he knew he wasn't. He felt a few tears of happiness come again, and he let them fall.

The breeze was picking up but it still had its softness and it was so uplifting that Ewali stretched out his neck and embraced the breeze, feeling calm.

He was so into the moment that he didn't hear footsteps behind him. They were small and Ewali knew that one of the cubs was awake. It was one of the cubs, actually two. It was Tarna and Machwa. They sat on either side of Ewali, Tarna on the right, and Machwa the left.

Ewali smiled down at the two cubs. "Good morning Tarna. Good morning Machwa." He looked at Machwa who nuzzled his father purring. Ewali licked his son, and then turned to Tarna. "How are you this morning Tarna? You sleep well?" he asked.

Tarna looked up at the king and smiled. "Yes, to both questions Ewali, thank you. What about you?" he asked with curious eyes. "Did you sleep well?"

"I slept very well thank you. What are you and Machwa doing up this early?" he asked curiously.

Tarna looked at Machwa, who nodded. Tarna knew what he wanted to say so he looked at Ewali and spoke for his friend. "I woke up because I was thirsty. I didn't want to wake dad or Tau and I saw that you had already left. I came out looking to see where you were. Machwa woke up as well and I asked him if he wanted to come with me. He nodded 'yes' and here we are." He looked back at Machwa who smiled and nuzzled his father again. A smile came to Tarna's face as he saw Machwa's love and loyalty to Ewali.

The three lions sat in silence, as the sun was getting ready to rise. Machwa moved closer to his father feeling his mane wrap around his small body. Ewali looked at his son with love shining in his blue eyes and nuzzled him.

Just then Ugas appeared out of the cave, not saying 'hello' or 'good morning' to his father or the cubs. He just ran down the pathway and into the fields scaring the younger animals slightly.

Ewali growled lowly in his throat. Machwa didn't pay attention.

Tarna shook his head sadly at his father's unusual behavior. "At least Ewali speaks to people." The cub thought. "It's too bad he didn't become the adopted father to me and my friends." He shook the feeling from his mind and stared out at the horizon seeing the animals interact with each other.

Ewali smiled at the cub's fascination. "It's a wonderful sight isn't it?" he asked both cubs.

"Yes it is," Tarna answered, mesmerized by the scene before him.

Machwa nodded.

Ewali's ears flickered as he heard more footsteps coming out of the cave. He turned his head to see Nakita, the rest of the cubs, and the other lionesses waking up. yawning and stretching, ready to start the daily activities.

Nakita was talking with Orissah. He saw the two lionesses nuzzle each other and he smiled. "Nakita must be thanking Orissah for taking over her duties," he thought.

He also saw Cheshi and Tau in conversation. He smiled and frowned at the same time because he knew who they were talking about

The kig looked back at Machwa and Tarna. "Will you two be okay for a second? I have to go and talk to Nakita," he said.

Tarna looked at Machwa who nodded once. "Yeah we'll be fine," Tarna replied.

"Okay," Ewali said and he padded over to Nakita.

"… Again, thanks Orissah, you don't know how much you're taking over meant to me," Nakita finished saying.

Orissah only smiled. "Nakita it was nothing really. You'd do the same for me."

"You're right I would."

The two lionesses looked up as Ewali padded up to them.

"That's my cue to get the party together. Need anything at all Nakita…" Orissah reminded.

"I know, I know. Thank you Orissah," Nakita said gratefully.

Orissah bowed her head and left to join the other lionesses but said hi to Ewali. "Good morning Ewali," she said.

"Morning Orissah. How are you?" he asked.

"Very well thank you."

"Good," Ewali said smiling and padded up to Nakita. "Morning 'Kita," he said nuzzling her.

"Morning to you too," Nakita replied nuzzling him back.

Samawati and Jemasi ran up to their father. "Morning dad," they said.

Ewali smiled and nuzzled them. "Morning girls. How are you?" he asked.

"We're fine," Sammy spoke up. She looked out and saw Tarna and Machwa on the cliff watching the sun. "Can we go and watch the sun with Tarna and Machwa?" she asked.

Ewali and Nakita looked at each other then back at their daughters.

"Alright," Ewali said. "But after that, you have to go with Cheshi and Tau. They're cub sitting you."

Samawati groaned. "Aww, but dad, they're cubs like we are!"

"Yes, I know but they're older and need the responsibility. Now go on," Ewali said chiding gently and waved a paw.

As the girls made their way to their friends, Ewali noticed that the other cubs were there watching the sun too. "I hope Cheshi and Tau can handle this," he thought. He turned to his mate. "Nakita, after the kill is made for this evening I need to talk to you."

"Oh, okay. Let's meet up here after the sun sets?" she suggested.

Ewali nodded his head. "Yeah that's great. There's something that's been on my mind."

Nakita licked him on the cheek and said, "I think I have a clue."

Ewali smiled and saw Jani and Hekaya fly toward him, landing at his and Nakita's paws. "Good day, Jani, Hekaya," he said.

"Good morning your highnesses," the birds said bowing their heads with wings outstretched.

Ewali nuzzled Nakita, bidding her a good day and left with the two birds on his shoulders.

He paused for a second and looked at Tau and Cheshi who were sitting behind the cubs. Tau felt Ewali's eyes and nudged Cheshi to attention. They turned around and saw the king's eyes full of seriousness.

Cheshi understood and nodded his head smiling briefly. Tau did the same. Ewali smiled, knowing he could count on the two lions to keep the cubs safe.

As Ewali walked down the pathway, he saw Orissah rallying the lionesses for a hunting exercise.

Ewali's blue eyes rested on Kilwa. He saw there was a strange expression on her face. "Probably has something to do with Ugas," he thought. He smiled at the lioness with reassurance. Kilwa looked at Ewali and smiled weakly.

For that morning and afternoon, the pride was very busy hunting, dealing with social statuses and cub sitting but things went well.

The day flew by really fast and by sunset the pride gathered together to eat the nightly kill.

Cheshi and Tau informed Ewali that the cubs were good. Sammy was a bit of a challenge but she managed to behave even though it was hard.

Ewali thanked them and padded over to his daughter. "Sam," he said with firmness.

Samawati heard her father's call and walked over to him, her ears drooped and tail lowered. She didn't meet his gaze.

"Were you giving Cheshi and Tau a hard time?" he asked.

Slowly, Sam met her father's eyes. "Yes," she whispered.

Ewali heard the whisper and sighed. He stretched out his paw until it wrapped around Sam's back pulling her close to him. He whispered into her ear, "Don't do it again, okay? I don't want anything to happen to you."

Sam felt a tear come down her cheek and she sniffed. "I'm sorry dad."

Ewali licked her on the head purring fatherly. "It's okay."

Ugas saw this display of affection between his father and little sister. He had no emotion in his face or eyes at all. He was stone.

Ewali looked up at his son and his eyes narrowed.

Ugas saw his father's look. He growled, scoffed, and walked away.

Ewali shook his head at his son's ignorance. "You okay now?" he asked his daughter.

Sam looked up at her father and nodded. "I think so. I'm sorry dad."

Ewali smiled. "Don't worry. Go and play with the others."

Sam smiled at Ewali and ran pouncing on Tarna. Soon all the cubs, including Tau and Cheshi were piled on top of each other. The adults saw this friendship chain and laughed softly all except Ugas who was in the back of the group sulking. Kilwa didn't go near him.

After the sun had set Ewali and Nakita sat on the cliff as they agreed to earlier. They didn't speak for a while as each one was wrapped in their thoughts.

Ewali looked down at the ground and broke the silence. " 'Kita lets go for a walk," he suggested.

Nakita nodded her head and the two lions rose, walking down the pathway and into the grass. The night was cool and crisp even though there was no breeze. The stars were shining brightly as always. Ewali and Nakita walked side-by-side, feeling one's coat rub against the other.

Ewali smiled happily as Nakita walked next to him. The white queen had a way of walking that so graceful that her steps didn't disturb the grasses.

The waterfall was rushing out more of the clear crisp water that they and the pride was so accustomed to and the sound of the fall was refreshing. The water tasted like the air breezes in the early mornings and late nights.

The king and queen's senses were active and they inhaled the night's air while they walked.

As Ewali stared at Nakita, he thoughtfully wondered what his life would have been like if he married his cubhood friend Neeli. "I don't think I would be as happy with her as I am with Nakita," he told himself with thought. "Things happen for a reason. Me being with Nakita now is definitely a 'thing happening for a reason' And I'm lucky and glad it went this way."

They made it to a nice spot where they would have a good view of the skies and be seen by the pride members if any problems were to occur.

Ewali sat down with Nakita beside him. He breathed a warm loving sigh into the lands that were his. "And one day these lands will be Samawati's," he said.

Nakita smiled at the thought of her daughter being queen. "Sammy will make a good queen Ewali," she said nuzzling him gently. "We made the right choice. Although we haven't made any announcements to the pride yet, I can see the look in their eyes. I think they're glad. They all seem to be afraid of Ugas."

Ewali wrinkled his nose. "Can you blame them?" he asked. "I fear that Ugas is turning into my father Kacha. It's scary. I told him and the others about my past and I thought the story of the way dad treated me would inspire them to not treat their own family and friends like that. I guess in Ugas' case I was wrong."

Nakita looked to the side contemplating. "The cubs did react in different ways, Ewali. But you're right and from the way you described Kacha over the years, Ugas' behavior seems to be slightly similar. I wish we could do something to help him."

Ewali sighed. "I do too." He looked up at the stars for a few minutes then spoke again. "Have you noticed that Ugas and Kilwa haven't been spending time together recently?" he asked.

"Yes, I have noticed. I tried talking to Kilwa about it but she didn't answer. I think she's having serious doubts about her relationship with Ugas."

Ewali nodded his head, in agreement. "I can see why. I've also been told by Tau, that Ugas' attitude is worsening and…"

"…And that's why Tau has been spending so much time with either you or Cheshi? So that's why Tau has been offering to cub sit and why he's sleeping further away from Ugas in the cave!"

"Yeah, the other cubs were sleeping beside Tau when I woke up. I'm more determined than ever to tell Ugas about Sammy being the new heir instead of him." He shook his head in frustration. "But it's his reaction that I'm worried about. He's arrogant, selfish. Everytime I speak to him, it's like he wants to rip my throat out. I feel his anger and his hate." He closed his eyes tightly then opened them raising his head to look at the stars.

Nakita didn't respond, as she knew what Ewali must have been thinking. "I agree with you," she said softly. "He has no trace of emotion in his face or his eyes. He's cutting himself off from the pride one by one." She looked up at him and smiled faintly. "At least we don't have to worry about the cubs, our cubs, turning against anyone, or against us."

Ewali looked into his mate's blue eyes and he nuzzled her, licking the tip of her ear. "Yes, you're right. We don't have to worry about them. Sammy may be mischievous but she's also clever. And I think as she grows older, she will mature."

Nakita licked Ewali's ear and rested her head on his shoulder. "Yes, she's going to make a fine queen. I think Machwa and Jemasi will grow into healthy adults too. They'll stand by her no matter what. They have a bond. Just like Ryoko, Wingu, Nyota and Sadiki did." A tear rolled down her cheek at mentioning the names her first cubs.

Ewali sighed, a tear rolling down his cheek too. "I miss them sometimes. But I see them, their attitudes, their love, and loyalty in Sammy, Machwa, and Jemasi." He chuckled. "This is going to sound crazy but I'm seeing the same things in the other cubs including Cheshi and Tau. Tarna is a loyal cub and sweet. He and Machwa seem to get along pretty well."

Nakita smiled. "No, that's not crazy. That's really nice. They're all good cubs."

There was question that Ewali wanted to ask, but wasn't sure how to ask. He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "You don't think I'm going crazy over taking in any cub I see or that is brought in by someone do you?" he asked with a bit of embarrassment.

Nakita removed her head from Ewali's shoulder and looked into his eyes, with a serious facial expression. "No! No, absolutely not! Most kings would just turn the cub or cubs away. It wouldn't matter to them if the cubs were injured slightly or even near death. They don't like competition, especially if their heir is a male. You are not like other kings. You care about your land, your pride, and your family. You treat these cubs as though they were ours by blood. They love you just the same. As do our cubs and as do I."

Ewali sighed and licked her affectionately while nuzzling and purring gently. They shared a loving embrace and he whispered into Nakita's ear. "Thank you. I love you so much! I think it'd kill me if anything happened to you."

Nakita smiled, purring also. "I love you too. Don't worry nothing's going to happen to me. I'll always be here for you."

They broke the embrace and sat closer together staring at the stars. The still coolness of the air turned into a waving gentle breeze that blew through Ewali's mane and Nakita's fur. It was a clean and clear-cut breeze that made the lands peaceful and calm. From where they were sitting the lands seemed to stretch on forever. Their blue eyes matched the sky's navy color.

Ewali yawned and looked at Nakita. "Ready to head home?" he asked.

"Yeah. Getting tired already my king?" she asked smirking.

Ewali laughed. "Why yes my queen I believe I am!"

Nakita got up and stretched out her legs. "Let's go," she said, starting down the path back to the mountain.

Ewali also stretched out his legs and walked next to her. A smile played at his lips, twitching his whiskers slightly. He nudged her playfully.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Care to race me back?" he asked, a challenge clearly playing in his eyes.

Nakita dropped an eyebrow and smiled. "Only if you think you can beat me my king," she whispered.

The king and queen raced, laughing with each other. Their speed was evenly matched and although Nakita was faster, Ewali had stamina. They ran up the path until Nakita sped up and her paws touched the cliff side first.

She had beaten him.

They laughed again and went into the cave for a goodnights sleep. The cubs were still in their usual spots and Nakita lay in her spot with Ewali at her side. They snuggled close together and drifted off to sleep.

The cave was calm and only the sounds of snores and soft purrs of the pride could be heard. Outside in the night covered land, the crickets chirped.