Scenario:This story takes place after Scar's defeat. The Pride Lands were slowly, but surely, began to heal from the drought and famine that happened during Scar's rule as 'King', and Simba, the rightful King Regent of Milele (the Pride Lands) having taking his place in the Circle of Life. Physical appearance Sarabi is a large, long-bodied, and muscular lioness. She is notably taller and more heavily-built than the other lionesses, as she was able to stand nose to nose with Scar. Additionally, she is a powerful huntress and fighter, and was among the first to enter combat with the hyenas during the battle for Pride Rock. Unlike most of the lionesses, she has square-like features, including a boxy muzzle, a broad chest, and a rectangular body. Sarabi's main pelt is medium brown, while her chest, muzzle, eye rims, and paws are tan. She has dark ear rims and a light brown nose. Her eyes are orange. Personality and traits Sarabi is affectionate, kind-hearted, and maternal. She is especially loving toward her son, Simba, and tolerates his antics with patience and understanding. She is quite perceptive when it comes to her son's intentions, as she immediately caught on to his mischievous scheme to visit the Elephant Graveyard and so forced him to bring along Zazu as a babysitter. She ultimately does what is best for him, even if he chafes at her decisions and interference. In times of tragedy, Sarabi is persistent and strong-willed. She continued to lead her pride's hunting party despite the purported deaths of her mate and son. Unlike Scar, who did not respect the Circle of Life, she demonstrated an understanding of the delicate balance between predator and prey, and tried to explain to Scar that his reign had stripped the kingdom of its food. When wronged or insulted, Sarabi can be headstrong, temperamental, and unafraid to dole out criticism, especially in the defense of her pride. Sarabi is brave, ferocious, and dutiful. She was quick to throw her support behind a full-grown Simba and joined her fellow lionesses in challenging Scar's rule. During the ensuing fight, she charged into battle fearlessly and fought with ferocity and zeal. Additionally, she showed her loyalty to Simba by accepting his right to rule and affirming his claim to kingship over the Pride Lands. Tumaini (meaning "hope" or "belief, faith" or "hopeful" or "confident" or "expectation, hope" in Swahili), nicknamed 'little ray' by Mahiri and Sarabi, is the only daughter of Mufasa and Sarabi, the older littermate of Himiza and the younger sister of Simba. Himiza and Tumaini are also maternal half-sisters and paternal cousins though their respective fathers, Scar and Mufasa). Tumaini is the overall spitting image of Sarabi, but she inherits a richer, golden-brownish colored fur, lack of ear rims, a mixed body build, facial structure, and a mixed tail tuft color (red and brown) from her father, Mufasa. Himiza (meaning "urge, encourage, give confidence, advise, push for" in Swahili), nicknamed 'Miza' by Sarabi and Mahiri, is the only daughter of Scar and Sarabi, the younger littermate of Tumaini and the younger sister of Simba. Himiza and Tumaini are also maternal half-sisters and paternal cousins though their respective fathers, Scar and Mufasa). Himiza is the overall spitting image of Scar, but she inherits a richer, darker brownish fur, ear rims, a mixed body build (she shares the same hight with Sarabi), and a mixed tail tuft color (black and brown) from her mother, Sarabi. Despite both Tumaini and Himiza being Scar's daughters through blood, Himiza and Tumaini are very unlike Scar - moral wise. As a result, they both share the Circle of Life moral, like Sarabi and the other lionesses in the Ndona Pride. She is very close to Mahiri, who has always been a positive father figure/guardian in her and Tumaini's eyes - up until Mahiri was banished from the Pride Lands by Scar when the two lionesses were teenagers. Mahiri (meaning "skilful, tactful, clever, diplomatic, discreet, skilled, accomplished, capable" in Swahili), is a handsome, larger-than-average sized male lion; due to him being a half Barbary lion hybrid, through his mother. Physical appearance Mahiri is a handsome, larger-than-average sized male lion; due to him being half-Barbary lion. His main fur color is an extremely light tawny brown fur with a lighter tanned colored markings on his muzzle which extends to his cheeks, under-pelt and inner legs. He also has warm turquoise-blue eyes. Mahiri is a lion of quiet strength and unwavering loyalty. His exile had etched lines of hardship onto his face, but his eyes still held a spark of warmth and kindness. While he possesses impressive hunting skills and a keen intellect, making him a valuable advisor to the Royal family of Milele (Mufasa, Sarabi, Simba), his true strength lies in his empathy and understanding. He is a patient listener, offering wise counsel without judgment. His time spent outside the Pride Lands gave him a unique perspective on the Circle of Life, appreciating the interconnectedness of all creatures, a wisdom he readily shares with the younger generation. Unlike Scar, whose ambition was driven by self-interest, Mahiri's actions are always guided by compassion and a deep-seated respect for the balance of nature. He is a skilled mediator, able to resolve conflicts peacefully through diplomacy and understanding. He is not one for grand pronouncements or displays of power, preferring quiet action and thoughtful consideration. His love for Sarabi (and his fatherly love for his adopted daughters, Tumaini and Himiza) is a quiet, enduring flame, a testament to his steadfast devotion and unwavering loyalty. He is a gentle soul, capable of both fierce protectiveness and unwavering tenderness, a true embodiment of strength and compassion. ————— There is a rumor among the prey herds that a male lion is prowling the border of the Lion Kingdom. The lone male lion appears hurt and looks around anxiously. Is the scarred male lion an enemy or a friend? ————— There is a rumor among the prey herds that a male lion is prowling the border of Milele (the Pride Lands). He appears to be injured and looks around anxiously. One early morning as Zazu, the Red-billed Hornbill and the Majordomo of the kingdom, flies over the Kingdom to gather important information for the morning report to the new King Regent and Queen Consort, Simba and his mate Nala, he overhears from some of the prey herds about the injured male lion. On the way back to Pride Rock, Zazu sees Sarabi, the former Queen Consort of Milele. Sarabi walks on the narrow path that leads down to the waterhole to quench her thirst in the tropical heat. "Sarabi!" Zazu shouts in exasperation. Sarabi stops and looks up at the sky to see Zazu. "Zazu? What's going on?" Sarabi asked her friend as the male Red-billed Hornbill landed before the brown lioness. Zazu informed Sarabi that there was a lone male lion roaming around, who had been spotted by some of the prey herds that he was going towards the waterhole, and the Majordomo warned Sarabi to be careful. Sarabi told Zazu that she would, before the Majordomo flew towards Pride Rock to warn Simba and Nala of the potential threat. The male lion looked tired and quite weak, if Sarabi were to judge simply by the lion's skinny appearance. However, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was familiar about the lion. "Mahiri, is it really you?" Sarabi asked softly. "Sarabi...?" Mahiri asked joyfully. "What are you doing here in the Pride Lands?" Sarabi asked him gently. The male lion hesitated, trying to keep himself calm before he answers: "While I was traveling, I heard that Scar is dead, and came back here to hopefully rejoin the pride again." "It's Queen Mother Sarabi to you, Mahiri~" "Oh, I'm sorry… um... Your majesty." "Mahiri, I was just messing with you." Sarabi chuckled teasingly, smiling warmly at Mahiri. "Very funny, Sarabi." Mahiri rolled his eyes. "I will admit... You scared me a bit there." He added teasingly, but Sarabi heard the truth in Mahiri's voice. There was silence for a while between the two adult lions... Before Sarabi approached her dear friend, but she stopped at a respectful distance, letting him chose and respecting his choice. Mahiri closed the distance between them and he nuzzled her gently, his own emotions a mixture of both of joy, relief, and overwhelming love. Feeling intense warmth and love for the lion in front of her, Sarabi nuzzled Mahiri back. "Mom?" They heard the voice of a young lioness, there was a concerned, yet gentle and warm tone in her voice. "Are you alright, mom?" Another, golden-brown lioness appeared next to the reddish-brown furred, green-eyed lioness.The golden-brown lioness has warm, soft blue eyes. "Is that... Miza and Little ray?" Mahiri asked Sarabi upon seeing the younger lionesses. The former Queen Consort simply nodded, confirming Mahiri's suspicion. Tumaini and Himiza, Sarabi's daughters, who are now adolescents, approaching young adulthood. While the reddish-brown furred, green-eyed lioness was somewhat wary of this foreign lion with her mother. But, like their mother, Tumaini and Himiza felt that the male lion was very familiar to them - as if they had seen that male lion before. Simba was very concerned about the male lion's intentions, but he was also puzzled by his younger half-sister and mother's general view of the foreign lion. "Baba!" Himiza shouts with a delighted look at him? It was like she hadn't seen that male lion in years. "Dada...? Wait! This foreign lion can be dangerous!" Simba screams at his half-sister, fearing the worst, and blocks her path towards the physically bigger and stronger lion. Sarabi sighs and sadly looks away from the lion. She knows she has to explain to her son. "Simba. This lion is an old friend of your father and I." "And he's my and Tumaini's father figure. We wouldn't call him 'baba' for nothing, right?" Mahiri and Sarabi - alongside Mufasa, Askari II (who would become known as Scar) - Sarafina, Nala's mother and Zazu - were very close friends growing up. While Mahiri had since they became teenagers: Mahiri realized that his feelings for Sarabi were changing, and that he likes her as more than a friend. However, he knew that Sarabi was betrothed to the Crown Prince of the pride at the time, Mufasa. This broke Mahiri's heart. Despite this, Mahiri remained a loyal friend of the royal family and respected pride member. Seeing that his dear friend was down, Mufasa went to talk with Mahiri. After Mahiri explained that he felt that he was of no use in the pride, Mufasa offered the half African/Barbary lion the title and position of royal adviser (a position that Mufasa himself had initially given to his brother Scar, who refused), and the role of a border guard; which Mahiri accepted. During the early years of Scar's rule as King, and before the drought and famine hit the Pride Lands, he made Sarabi his Queen, who refused at first, but reluctantly agreed to keep to the pride members safe, especially the cubs. This resulted in her becoming pregnant with Scar's cub. Mahiri and Sarafina was very protective and supportive of her: And as months passed, slowly, but surely, Sarabi began to feel the new life move inside her. When Sarabi went into labor inside a secluded cave system next to Pride Rock (where lionesses could give birth to their cubs in peace). It was in this cave that Sarabi's two daughters finally came into the world, Sarabi felf insecure about the fact that her youngest daughter looked so similar to Scar. However, when Himiza opened her eyes for the first time - all of those insecurities melted away. While her little girl had inherited Scar's green eyes, her infant daughter's eyes were full of warmth and love. This filled Sarabi with immense maternal love and hope for her new daughter. Mahiri looked warmly towards Sarabi while he smiled softly at Himiza and Tumaini, personally making sure that Sarabi and her daughters were taken care of. As Tumaini and Himiza grew into cubs, they both saw Mahiri (who adopted Himiza and Tumaini when the two lionesses was born) as their father, always following him and older cubs around, calling the half Barbary lion "baba" (meaning "father, dad" in Swahili) - something that they still do upon reuniting with their adopted father. As cubs, both Himiza and Tumaini calls Sarabi "mama", and when they are older: "mother" & "mom". However, as drought and famine hit Milele - during the later years of Scar's reign as King, Scar stripped the half Barbary lion off his title and roles in the pride upon having Mahiri (who remained very protective and fiercely loyal to the pride and the royal family) banished from the Pride Lands, out of fear of losing control of the pride. Mahiri accepted banishment and left the Pride Lands, out of willingness to protect Sarabi, Himiza, Tumaini and the pride members. Over the course of the many seasons apart, Himiza, Sarabi and Mahiri deep down longed for the comfort and support that they shared. However, over the course of many months following Sarabi's and Mahiri's reunion - as their love for each other and their bond resurfaces upon reuniting, and the two adult lions realized that their friendship blossomed into a more tender and intimate love. Months later, Sarabi came back into her heat cycle again; which Sarabi while initially very hesitant, she tells him that she wouldn't mind becoming a mother again, but with cubs of their own. Mahiri never have seen himself like some lion above others and feels deeply when Sarabi had gotten hurt, that's why, he always will kiss her scars, to remind her how much he loves her and soothe her pain and doubts. Sarabi's and Mahiri's relationship dynamic: These two do end up together in my au/headcanon, it just takes a bit longer. Mahiri is a sweet lovey-dovey type of lion, but he's still got his walls to break down and a lot of habits to unlearn from his exile. Deep down, and for those who know Sarabi very well, and deep down, she still is just as (if not more) playful and headstrong as she was a cub, but also like her granddaughter, Kiara is in canon, and the two feed off each other's energy a lot. I haven't fleshed out their relationship a ton, but they definitely crush on each other for a while before actually making it official. They're the typical childhood sweethearts, pretty much everyone expected them to get together eventually. By the time the presentation of Kiara, Simba's and Nala's daughter rolls around, Sarabi is expecting cubs, though they'd kept it a secret until shortly before then because Simba at first, has some 'issues' with Mahiri being his, Himiza's and Tumaini's step-father (the cubs end up fine).