Many days later, Ataria reached the borders of the Pride Lands. In her mouth was her son, Tauzin. As she crested the hill, she beheld her former home. But, instead of lush plains filled with animals grazing, she beheld charred earth and dead trees. Pride Rock itself was the only thing there that had looked like what she had left. As she padded towards the looming rock where all those kings had sat, she beheld three figures coming towards her. When they came closer, she beheld a male lion with a russet-coloured mane and two lionesses. They were scrawny but instantly recognisable as Sarabi, the mate of Mufasa and Nala, Simba's friend from long ago. The lion, as she looked closer, was almost an exact replica of the Simba she had known when he was a mere cub. Dropping her cub gently on the ground behind her left leg, Ataria bowed down low in respect for the new king.
"Your highness," spoke Ataria in humbleness." I am pleased to see that you rule in place of your uncle."
"Who are you and how do you know my name?"asked the quizzical Simba.
"Forgive me, Simba, but I am Ataria, your half-aunt and I have come to seek your welcome back into your Pride." With that, she bowed again
"It is her, Simba," spoke up the younger lioness. "She looks very much like your father."
"Child, do you have a strange scar on your right paw?"asked the older and more regal female
"I do, Queen Sarabi," admitted Ataria and raised her paw.
"Simba, it is her" spoke Sarabi quickly. "Do you not remember?"
"I do. Welcome back, Ataria. You are most welcome to join us again," and he bowed to her gracefully.
"I also seek passage for my son. His name is Tauzin, after my brother." With that, she pushed him forwards to see the others.
Simba nodded in agreement "Then he is most welcome too. We trust you will be happy with us."
"Thankyou, majesty," said the bashful lioness with a sad smile directed behind her
Simba then left and headed back to Pride Rock, while the three lionesses began to gossip as they walked towards Pride Rock, Ataria carrying Tauzin with her.
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Over the next few weeks, Ataria was assimilated back into the pride. She hunted with the lionesses, bringing in most of the game. Her son got on well with the other cubs and the lionesses were kind to her, knowing the story of how she left her original pride. But something still ached. The memories of her adopted pride and her mate still clung to her heart, making her restless and often she sat alone and stared across the Pride Lands, in the direction of her home.