The three of them walked most of the day. Debara led the way, with Kubali behind her, and Elanna bringing up the tail. Elanna thought of her new future with Kubali. The horrible secret of her torn body played on her mind. She couldn’t give him a son, so if she did become his queen, the line would end with him. She had been afraid of telling him her secret, worried that he might leave her. Now she was depriving more than a husband. She was risking the future of a pride.
      She looked up, watching the two catch up on the missing months. She sighed softly, unheard. How could she admit to him that the light would never shine in her eyes?
      Almost without warning, Debara was next to her. Elanna’s head raised up to look at her. “What’s the matter, Elanna?”
      Elanna just shook her head, “Nothing, just...things...thoughts running through my head.”
      Debara nuzzled her shoulder gently, something that made Elanna jump back slightly. It had been so long since she had felt the affection of another lioness. “We are pride sisters now, Elanna. We’ll help each other. Don’t be afraid.” She batted at Elanna’s shoulder gently. “Don’t think just because you are the future queen, that you have to stay apart from of us.”
      Elanna looked at her, her smile becoming wider at the thought of actually being a part of a pride. She rubbed Debara back and murmured, “You really don’t know how much that means to me.”
      Debara chuckled, “A word of advice, just keep your distance from my daughter for a few days. She is bound to be slightly disappointed.”
      Elanna nodded, “Will she be mad at me?”
      “Most likely, but don’t you worry none, I will keep her under control. She is my daughter after all. Now, let’s hear more about you. I hear you taught this little brat to respect lionesses?”
      Elanna just shrugged. “We met after my old mate was killed and my old pride drove me out. Though we’ve had a few problems, Kubali has shown me unconditional love, and together we made it through.” She smiled softly to Debara. “I thought my life was over. Kubali showed me that I had more to live for, and more to love for.”
      Debara laughed softly, “It’s funny how time heals these wounds. Bless you, Elanna. You saved our pride. You don’t know what it’s like to see everything you love crumbling around you.”
      “Yes I do, Honey Tree.”
      Elanna was about ready to continue to tell Debara more about the time she had spent with Kubali, but soon it was interrupted by a roar of a lioness. Debara returned the roar and looked to the two, “Come on, they have just hunted. If we are quick, we can make it before the meal is gone.”
      With that, the group picked up there pace and, coming into a clearing, ran into the pride, gathered around a kill. Elanna looked over the group, subconsciously moving closer to Kubali. Kubali nuzzled her softly and smiled to the group. Debara looked to the group, “I have brought back the son of our king.” She smiled to the group, “and a new member to our pride.” She motioned to Elanna, “This is Elanna, the lioness who taught our prince some humility.”
      The king stepped forward. “Kubali? My son? Against all hope, I see you again!”
      “Dad, I came as soon as I heard about Ababu. Was it--quick?” When the king hung his head and sobbed, Kubali rushed forward and nuzzled him. “Oh, dad!”
      “Can you forgive me for my mistakes, my son?”
      “Can you forgive me for my mistakes, father?”
      “I have lost one son, but I have found the other. Let us bury the past, my boy.”
      After a few moments a young lioness stepped forward to the two. The King smiled once more. “Kubali, there’s someone that wants to see you.”
      The young lioness moved to nuzzle Kubali. “It has been a long time, my prince.”
      “As has it for me, Penzi.” Kubali replied, not really returning the nuzzle. Penzi looked at him curiously.
      Debara coughed a bit, seeing Elanna getting a bit timid. “Sire, may I speak to you and my daughter in private please?” Penzi and the King looked to Debara curiously.
      The king nodded. “Of course Debara.” He looked to his son and Elanna, motioning to the kill. “No doubt that it has been a long journey--you two nourish yourselves and then we will talk.”
      Kubali started to walk towards the kill, but Elanna stayed where she was. He looked back, “Come on dear...you look hungry.” Timidly she moved next to Kubali to the kill. The lioness make a hole for the two as they approach, some mumbles exchanged between the members of the group. Looking between the kill and Elanna, Kubali ripped off a piece for the two and drug it a little ways off from the group. There, the two eat quietly, not sure what to say to each other.
      After the meal, the two groomed each other, getting more looks from the other lionesses. Elanna could feel these stares as they bore into her soul, but she had been through so much with Kubali, there was no reason for them to hide their affections to other. Soon after the meal was finished, the king, Debara and her daughter reappeared. Penzi walked near her mother, her mood showing that she had heard the news of Elanna as her tail and head were hung low.
      The king stepped to his son and Elanna and spoke, “Members of the pride...I have an announcement. It has come to my attention that this lionesses and this lion...” He motioned to Kubali and Elanna. “...Have fallen in love while my son was away. Although he does have a betrothed here...and against my better judgment...I am willing to allow Elanna to become his queen as reward for watching over my son.”
      Penzi looked at the two, obviously disappointed in her loss, but walked over to them, “I wish you two a long life together.” She nuzzled Elanna gently. “Take good care of him, as I will still love him.”
      Elanna smiled back and return the rub, relieved at her good fortune of being accepted into the pride. Slowly the other lionesses approach the group and introduce themselves. Most of them hovered around Kubali, remarking how well mannered he had become. Every so often, one of them would break away from the prince to introduce themselves to Elanna. Elanna felt it hard to try to keep names and faces together, and she fumbled with it for a bit. By the end of the night, though, she was becoming more comfortable and started making small talk to the other members. How she had longed for this, to actually have friends to speak to. How she missed it in her old pride, when Taka would keep her away from the other lionesses or the other lionesses wouldn’t approach her. Finally, as the night drew to the end, the king approached her.
      “May I speak to you...alone.”
      Elanna looked back to Kubali, who was involved in another conversation. Quietly she walked with the king a short distance away. “Yes, my king?”
      The king asked her about her intentions and the time she spent with Kubali. “I understand how bad it is to be alone, and I’m grateful for everything you’ve done. Really I am. But now it’s time for him to take on his responsibilities. I wish you would reconsider becoming Kubali’s queen.”
      Elanna just looked at him stunned. “But sire...you said...”
      The lion cut her off, “I know what I said...and I won’t force anything. But, you must understand that I have to ask this of you. Penzi is his betrothed and I’m afraid if you marry him, what might befall these lands. I can’t force you to let him go because you did help him. You brought him back to me. Still, I must look after my lands.” He looked at her softly, “You have helped him so much...help him again by letting him go. Let him go, but do not tell him we had this talk. I promise I will reward you if you will do this.”
      “Like...” she said speculatively.
      “There is another male...and he is approaching his mantlement. It would make him...his mother...and me very happy to see a lioness pledge to him. You can be that lioness as a reward for you good deeds.”
      Elanna laughed softly, “Sire...no insult intended...but I can’t do that. Many lionesses don’t find true love once in her life. Even fewer lionesses find it twice. I would be tempting faith to try for three times.” She looked down, “I love him...he gave me life when I thought my life had ended.”
      “Then show your appreciation of that by letting him find his place in the circle.”
      She looked at him, almost distastefully, “I can’t leave him...I’m sorry.”
      “I’m afraid. The gods will be upset because the betrothal is broken. It does not tide well to turn your back on the prompting of the gods. Elanna, I like you--I really do. But I have raised my son over days, weeks, and months. I don’t want him to be hurt.”
      “Then don’t break his heart. Can’t you see that we’re like leaves in the wind? Why didn’t the gods interfere then? Instead, against all odds, our love has survived and grown.”
      He sighed a bit, “Yes, Elanna. I can see that you are past controlling your feelings. So be it. I will not interfere.” He moved and nuzzled her. “If it is from you that the heir comes, you are my daughter and I will shelter and love you. Welcome to the pride.”
      She tensed at the nuzzle but returned it, feeling more relieved, “Thank you, sire. I will not mention this to Kubali.”
      He smiled, “Thank you. Now enjoy your husband.” With that, they separated and she walked back to be by Kubali’s side.

      It had been a few nights since they had rejoined the pride. She was making new friends and had even been on a very successful hunt with them. That was the best, she thought, having ‘sisters’ again. She could see the young male that she would have pledged to, watching over her. It wasn’t really bad, she thought. She liked have a bit of attention on her and not be it for bad reasons.
      Other things did bother her, however. Although the king had accepted her into the pride as his daughter, he still didn’t go out of his way to be friendly to her. Same thing with Penzi. She had mentioned this to Debara and she just shrug it off, “Don’t worry, Elanna,” she would say. “They will get friendlier to you with time. Just wait till you bear the Prince cubs. You will become everyone’s darling then. Who can resist a mother and her young cubs?”
      They might have told Penzi that she could just wait for him--when Elanna was gone, she could be there to console Kubali. They gossip about her. Did she really tell the whole truth? Was Taka really that bad? Might she have had something to do with Scar's death? Of course they don't mean it mean, but they do wonder about these things. Maybe one of them gets put up to ask her none too discretely. Awkwardly, in fact. Maybe this triggers the nightmare.
      The most disturbing event happened during her sleep. As she was cuddled with Kubali, she feel asleep. She woke up in a dream, to see the land as it was under Taka. The lionesses all looked thin and the lands were parched. She went to Kubali to talk to thing. He turned to look at her, but it wasn’t Kubali’s face that she saw...it was Taka’s...his faced marred by the scar. She gasped and turned suddenly away from, only to come face to face with the king.
      “See what you did, daughter? See what you did by your selfishness. You condemned these lands to this horror. If only you would had accepted my offer, this land would not be in this shape. That young lion that I had offered to you...he was the first to die.”
      Elanna gasped. “No! Not again! Oh gods, was the curse on me instead?? Was it me all along??”
      Suddenly, Elanna’s eyes flew open as she panted heavily against Kubali’s side. Her eyes scanned the area, just to see the peaceful scene she had seen before she feel asleep. Kubali’s eyes slowly opened and looked at her, “Dear?”
      She turned to look at him, her breath calming down, “I’m all right...go back to sleep.”
      He nuzzled her softly, “Bad dream?”
      She purred softly and nodded. “Yes...but I can’t really talk about it. I’ll be fine, love.”
      He yawned and gave her cheek a quick lick. “All right dear...if you say so. I’ll be right here if you need me.”
      She did not fall asleep, however. Her mind raced of thoughts of the king’s word to her. Would this land fall into a drought because of me? Would Aiheu punish us all for my selfish love? What if he knew that I could never give him a cub? Now I’m not only ruining his future, but the future of a pride.
      That last thought stung her deeply. She could never be his queen because of that. There would be no continue of the line beyond him. She looked down and sigh. She would have to leave him...give him a chance to have a future. She nuzzled against him, knowing it would be their last night together. He grunted with satisfaction, feeling her warmth against his body.
      The next morning came quickly and she looked at him, fondling his mane like she did the first night. “Thank you for all of the things you gave me.”
      He woke up slowly, purring at the fondle. “Thank me for what love?”
      She looked at him sadly. “For all of the times we were together.” She sighed, building up her courage. “Love...I have to go.”
      His head shot up instantly. “What? Why?” he stammered.
      She continued to fondle him gently. “Dear...I have kept a horrible secret from you...something you must hear before you take me as your queen.”
      His tongue licked at her paw. “Whatever it is...you will always be my queen.”
      “Dear...I can’t have cubs.”
      He looked at her stunned. “What?”
      “Taka gave me cubs one time, but it was not to be. The cubs came out dead...along with any chances of me having anymore.”
      He shook his head. “I don’t care...I love you. You will still be my queen.”
      “And what about the pride? Without me being able to have cubs, you will have no heir. Your line will end.”
      He licked her check softly. “I don’t care about being king...I care about you.”
      “But you are prince, and a prince must someday be a king. You must not think about yourself. You must think of your pride.” She rose up slowly, giving him a soft lick. “Look for me when you join the stars. Part of you will always be with me, and I will not forget you.” With that, she slowly began to walk off.
      Kubali rose up also, following her. “I’m coming with you...I give this up for you.”
      She turned quickly, “No...you can’t. You must stay here and be king.” Kubali froze as she continued, “Tell your father and Debara thank you for welcoming me.” She moved back to him and gave him another nuzzle. “Tell Penzi that she will get a loving mate.”
      “Elanna...please.”
      “Before when we parted it was because of a secret, a lie, or a misunderstanding. This time I am completely certain in what I’m doing. This time it’s the truth that must split us apart. You know what will happen if I remain. Your father will discover that I am barren, and he will drive me off. I will tell him so myself before I let you throw away everything Aiheu meant you to have. Besides, it is Penzi that really loves you. I just wanted a little companionship.”
      “Don’t say that!”
      “But it’s true! I like you well enough, and you’re a very good lover as far as that goes. But I’m just not in love with you. Penzi is, and your feelings for her could be returned.”
      “But Elanna! I know it’s not so! I know you love me! I felt your body tremble next to mine! Oh gods, you can’t tell me that was all an act!”
      She kissed him gently. “That does not matter now. You gave me back my self respect. We were together when we needed each other. Now you need Penzi and she needs you.”
      “And what do you need??”
      “I need to face my past. I need to go some place where you can’t come. Darling, if you love me, let me go. Please??”
      “Say you love me first.”
      She looked at him, eyes moist with tears. “I won’t lie to you. I am a ripped gazelle, and my heart is being slowly eaten.” She came and kissed his cheek quickly, then turned and trotted away into the grass. A short distance off, she heard his mournful roar. She fell to the ground and sobbed.

      The heat started to build as the sun rose in the sky. A lone lioness walked through the golden savanna, unsure where to go.
      Her future looked bright just the day before, but now she was alone again. She had been with Kubali for so long, she had forgotten what it felt like to be alone. Looking around, all she could see was the flowing grass. Not only was she alone...she was lost.
      She continued to walk, desperate to find her way back to where she was. She continued to look for any sign of a jutting rock that signaled her childhood home. Her mind now set...it was time to face her punishment. If they accepted her back, at least she would have companions. If not...she would join her long lost husband.
      The problem was trying to find her old home. She had been walking for nearly a full day, and her legs were starting to buckle under her. It had been a few days since her last good meal, so hunger started to return to her body. Finally, after she had walked as far as she could, her body gave out and collapsed the ground.
      Her stomach protested, but she tried to put that in the back of her mind as she did with the memory of her husband. Her aching limbs seemed to make a sigh of relief as her weight now spread over her whole body. She laid her head down on the ground and mumbled softly, “Hunt tomorrow...” She was soon asleep.
      Her sleep was restless. Her first night in a long time with out someone next to her was troublesome. She missed the warmth of Kubali’s body and she missed the safety she felt when next to him, her head buried in the soft hair of his mane. How she wished she could be next to him, but deep down she knew it wasn’t meant to be.
      Aiheu had other plans for her, but what? She wanted to be in a group--she hated being a rogue. The fear of what her old pride still felt about her preyed on her mind...the hyena’s warning rang in her ears. “They’ll rip you!”
      She woke the next day, not really feeling refreshed at all. She rose out of the grasses and yawned, looking around. She looked into the sky, seeing them. “Can it be the same group,” she wondered aloud. She wasn’t going to take the chance that they weren’t and began to move towards the circling birds. In a few minutes, she caught up with the group and smiled.
      “Hello Markaaagh.”
      The buzzard pulled his head out of a impala carcass and looked to the lioness, “well...if it isn’t Fuzzy’s mate. Har har!”
      She smiled slightly, remembering how he hated that name. “Yeah...it’s me.” She moved to the carcass. “Is the deal still in place...because I could really use some food.”
      Markaaagh flapped a bit out of the way. “Of course.” He looked around, noticing the absence. “So...where is he? After you two routed that lion, I thought you two wouldn’t be more than a step away from each other. Don’t you love him enough to stay with him?”
      She sighed slightly, taking a bit of meat from the carcass, “I love him too much to stay with him.” She gulped down the slightly aging meat and sighed, reaching for some more.
      “Eat up, Honey Tree! You are delirious!” The vulture moved closer to her. “If there is anything you need that I can get, I will offer it to you. Our old agreement still stands.”
      She looked at the vulture, her nose wrinkling slightly at the familiar foul smell. “I do need one thing. Do you know of a place called ‘Pride Rock’?”
      He seemed to go in thought for a moment and shook his head, “No...I’m sorry...can’t say I ever heard of it. But I don’t usually talk to them what can talk back. Har har! Maybe if you describe it, I might know where it is.”
      Elanna described to the vulture about the lion pride that lived there, the huge rock the dominated the skyline, and about the terrible drought that over took the land. Markaaagh took some time and nodded, “I know where that is...had some fine pickings a while back, but now it’s lean times for us.” He smiled only how a vulture can. “Not that they’re sorry to see us go.”
      “Can you show me the way?”
      He just chuckled. “Of course...we were heading that way anyway. Times may be good for the lions there, but there is always something for us to eat there. Har har!”
      She just smiled. “Oh thank you...”
      After she had a bit of meat and let the vultures feed on the remaining portion of the carcass, they started to make their way towards her old homelands. After a walk that took the better part of the day, she finally saw it...the jutting stone of Pride Rock.

      Through the walk...the thoughts that haunted her dreams came back. Would she be accepted back or be killed for her husband’s crime? She finally reached the stream that marked the border of her lands...the lands of her family. She stopped...the small trail of water becoming a huge stone wall blocking her quest. Markaaagh noticed her balking and flew down to meet her. “Is this not where you want to be, Missy?”
      “No...this is it.” She slowly scanned the sky...and something caught her eyes. It was a small bird...flying from the rock. To her horror it was coming right towards her. It must be Zazu, she thought. How could she face him after what Taka had done to him? He would tell the king immediately and the hunting party would be formed to go after her. She gasped loudly and shook. “No...I can’t stay here.”
      The buzzard just looked at her, “what...what is it?”
      Without answering, she turned quickly and ran into the grass, leaving the flock of buzzards in complete confusion as she disappeared.
      Heart pounding and sweet dripping from her brow, Elanna put more distance between her and her home. She had stood so close to going back to her old life...and yet. It was the doubt in her mind about how she would be greeted that made her run.
      The thought of being alone ran through her mind also. Now it would be for good. She couldn’t go home...and she definitely could not go back to Kubali. The feelings were just too strong for her to be anything but his mate.
      The urgency of getting away soon faded and she slowed down to a slow trot. She looked around the surround area to get her bearings. Her gaze fell back to where she came from. Only the very tip of Pride Rock was barely visible over the golden grass. She dropped her head and continued to walk away slowly, until Pride Rock was nothing more than a memory.
      The day slowly faded away as the sun set in the west. Not seeing anyone coming after her, she figured it was safe for her to lie down and try to rest her aching muscles some. She flopped into the grass, disappearing from sight. She sighed, thinking of her future. Now, even the vultures wouldn’t talk to her. She was truly alone...or was she?

      “Hello there,” a booming voice cut through the air. Elanna froze, hearing the voice...her breathing picking up. “I know you are here...I can smell you, lioness. Why don’t you just come on out. I promise I won’t hurt you.”
      Elanna held her position, trying not to let her breathing give her away. Suddenly, she could sense that the huge form was moving towards her. “So you want to play, lioness, I’m game”
      Elanna still had no idea what was after her...but she was ready. She wasn’t going to go with a fight. She growled softly, baring her claws as her body tensed to jump at the owner of the voice. Suddenly, she jumped out...straight at a maned figure.
      “Whoa...” he said as he tried to scatter back from the lioness flying towards him. Elanna landed squarely in front of him, growling loudly. “I said I wasn’t going to hurt you! Now calm down.”
      Elanna got a good look at the lion in front of her. He wasn’t like Kubali at all...he was much larger and older. Slowly, as she realized that the lion wouldn’t attack her, the growling in her throat died down as her muscles began to loosen.
      “There we are...I was just wondering what a beautiful creature like you was doing on my lands.”
      Elanna chuckled to herself, thinking how flattering some lions are. Suddenly it hit her, did he say his lands? “Oh Gods,” she thought, “I have wandered into someone else’s kingdom!” She spoke softly, “I...I’m sorry...I didn’t mean to intrude.” Slowly, she began to back away from him.
      “Hold on...it’s all right. I’m not going to hurt you. Do you need help?”
      Elanna just shook her head, continuing to back away from him.
      “I am King Mabongo...and you are?”
      Elanna stopped for a moment...her body still shaking, “I...am Elanna.”
      The king just looked at her thinking, “I have heard that name before...”
      Elanna looked down. “I was a member of the pride at Pride Rock.”
      Mabongo nodded. “You were the queen if I remember correctly. Your husband was named Scar. Latest news that I heard from you old pride was that his nephew came back and took the throne from him.”
      She breathed softly, “Simba...”
      Mabongo looked at her, “Yes, that was his name. From what I hear, the lionesses were happy to overthrow your husband and have Simba as their king.”
      She nodded softly and looked down.
      Mabongo shifted softly, “That was tactless of me. I’m sorry. It’s a pity about your husband...I’m sure it was a great loss to you.” Elanna stood there, quietly as he continued. “You don’t have a home, do you?”
      Elanna shook her head, “I thought I did...”
      He sat down slowly, “If you want...I could always use another lioness in my pride. We are small but tightly knit group.” He smiled to her softly, “You are tired. Come start a new life here. Would you like that?”
      Elanna looked up, “I...I’m not sure, sire.”
      “Mabongo...I don’t go for formalities here. If you want, you can come with me and I will introduce you to the pride. We are a friendly bunch and if you like what you see, you may stay for as long as you want.”
      Elanna looked at him speculatively then rose, “All right...I will try...Mabongo.”
      He smiled to her, “There you go...you will fit in fine.” She smiled to him softly and followed him through the grasses.

      As they topped a ridge, Mabongo roared and a lioness replied. The king turned to Elanna. “Come...they know we are coming.” Quietly, they walked down the rise. A small group of lionesses and cubs were gathered below, looking at the visitor with great interest. Mabongo smiled and said, “This is my pride.”
      Elanna looked over the small group, trying to gauge their mood at seeing her. In the group were five lionesses and a few cubs who huddled uneasily next to them. “Very nice,” she said, scanning the cubs’ eyes for some sign of acceptance. “You must be proud of them.”
      Mabongo ran to one particular lioness and nuzzled her. Elanna guessed that she must be his queen.
      “This is Elanna. She comes to us without a home. I feel that it is the right thing to do is to allow her to stay here if she wants a home.”
      “Flip that mane out of your eyes, babe,” the lioness said, stepping toward Elanna with a pronounced swaying strut. “How do we know this gal is worthy?” The lioness walked up and looked at Elanna’s face. “Pretty enough for two, but who knows what kind of past she might have--or what future.”
      Mabongo looked at Elanna uneasily. “That is Ujuzi...my queen. She means no harm.”
      Ujuzi pawed Elanna’s shoulders politely enough. “Of course I mean no harm. But Sweetcheeks, if you want to run with this crowd, we gotta check you out. If you got nothing to hide, you won’t mind answering a few questions.”
      “I’m willing to answer any of your questions, Your Highness.” Elanna said softly.
      Ujuzi looked back at the timid lioness. “You can skip the Your Highness bit. Yes Ma’am and no Ma’am do nicely.”
      “Yes, Your--uh--ma’am.”
      “Well, for first, what brings you to these parts? You tick off your queen?”
      Elanna sighed softly, “I was the queen. I was driven out by my pride sisters...”
      “Driven out by your pride sisters?” Ujuzi stared at Mabongo. “I guess you already knew that? And I’m sure she also told you why while you were flapping your jaws, but I want to hear it with my own ears.” She turned back to Elanna and said, “So you’re going to tell me you’re very sorry and you just want a second chance? What happened? Did he catch you crouching in the bushes?”
      “No!”
      “No, WHAT??”
      Tears sprang to Elanna’s eyes. “No, MA’AM!” Her head hung low and tears streamed down her face. “Thanks for the offer, Mabongo, but I won’t stay where I’m not wanted.”
      Elanna started to walk off, but Mabongo cut her off with a gentle nuzzle. “Ujuzi, would you calm down and let her finish?” He turned back to Elanna and smiled softly. “Come on, dear. It’s OK.” Mabongo glared at Ujuzi, showing a little tooth. “I’m sure my wife didn’t mean it the way it sounded.”
      Elanna regained her composure and turned to face Ujuzi respectfully but firmly. “I was driven out because my husband was disposed. My only crime was that I loved him.”
      “And where is your husband?”
      “Dead.” A tear ran down her cheeks. “He was ripped alive.”
      The other lionesses drew in a quick gasp. Even the queen was a little nonplused.
      Mabongo wiped her tears with a paw and gave her shoulder a pat. Then he turned to Ujuzi. “There. You see! Nothing wrong with that.”
      “Yeah, right.” Ujuzi looked about uncomfortably. “So we have royalty among us.” She turned her gaze on Elanna. “I’m not heartless, honey. Just remember who’s the queen around here, and who’s the subject and we’ll get along real fine. There’s no special treatment here for ladies of leisure. Forget breakfast in bed. You want hard work, clean living, and fair treatment, you came to the right place.”