He snapped quickly, “I have to do it again...all right?”
Elanna sighed, “My king...what have I done?”
He shook his head again. “Nothing...but I need to go.” Quickly he ran into the grass, leaving an astonished lioness behind.
Later that day, Ujuzi pulled Wehu aside, “My daughter...I think Elanna might be moving in on my position. I think she might be trying to steal your father from me.”
Wehu gasped, “No mother...you are wrong. I know Elanna...she would never do anything like that to you...or anyone.”
“Listen to me daughter...if you watch them like I do...it would be plain to you. She is trying to muscle in on my lion...and I won’t have it.”
“What do you suggest I do? Go and spy on her like you?”
“Yes...exactly.”
“No mother...I can’t do that to her.”
“What are you afraid of? If you are right then you won’t mind looking in on them. If there’s no wrongdoing, there will be nothing to see.”
Wehu stormed off without an answer. Ujuzi smiled...the first part of the plan was done...now to set the trap for her prey. She found Elanna resting alone in the clearing. Mabongo had come back from his ‘patrol’ and was resting a short distance off. There was tension in the air between the two when Ujuzi walked to Elanna and within ear shot of the king. “Sweetie? You like Wehu, don’t you?”
“Yes, queen.”
“She was my first...and I have had many strong children after her.” She smiled softly, “And how many children have you had?”
Elanna sighed softly...as the memory of her dead son comes back to her, “None my queen. I can’t have cubs.”
Ujuzi just chuckled and shook her head, “That’s a real shame. You know a lioness is not a real lioness until she has her first child.” With that, she walked back to the king and rubbed up against him.
Elanna turned her head away from the two, her eyes focusing off in the distance as tears began to form in her eyes. Ujuzi chuckled softly again and walked off...knowing what would happen next. Sure enough, Mabongo rose and walked over to the crying lioness. “Elanna?”
Elanna turned her head towards him, wiping her eyes clean, “Yes my king?”
He sat down next to her, looking down at the lioness, “I heard what my wife said to you. I don’t know what got into her, it was uncalled for.”
Elanna just nodded, “She is right though...I’m not a real lioness.” She turned to look at him, “That’s why I left Kubali, because I couldn’t give him cubs. I might be a lioness in form...but not a real lioness.” More tears started to form in her eyes as she looked into the sky, “I love cubs so much! Why Aiheu? Why me?” She turned aside and started to sob. “I want to go home!”
Mabongo leaned down and nuzzled her softly, which made her jump a bit. “Dear Elanna...so much tragedy in your life. Aiheu doesn’t do anything without a purpose. You must remember that.” He smiled to her softly, “You are no less a lioness in my eyes because of your injury. You are a very welcome part to this pride. The cubs absolutely love you, and the other members, save my wife, find you very kind and caring. I hope you don’t think about leaving because of her.”
She sighed softly, “I had been thinking it...but I don’t know what to do or where to go. I’m tired of running...”
He shook his head, “Then you don’t have to go. I will talk to my wife and get her to end these attacks. She is a queen...and it is far time she acted it.”
She smiled softly, “You would do that for me?”
He nodded and chuckled, “She may be the queen...but you are also important to me. She can’t be doing this to you...it’s unfair. You see, my dear, she’s very jealous of you.”
“Jealous? Of me?”
“Yes. That’s what was wrong when you came to cub-set. I wasn’t upset at you. I was just afraid what Ujuzi would think, but frankly I won’t hurt your feelings just to spare hers.”
She smiled softly, “I understand now. I’m not worried that she was jealous--it explains a lot. But I’d hate to think I lost your friendship.”
“You never will. She’ll have to learn to deal with her jealousy some other way than victimizing you. Now we spend much time together. And I won’t lie to you--you’re a very beautiful lioness and I couldn’t help but notice that. But there’s no one for me but Ujuzi. I’d never dream of cheating on her.”
“And I’d never dream of breaking up your marriage. But you are a dear, sweet thing and I’m very fond of you. I like to think my brother might have been like you.” She sat up and moved her head to give a lick to his cheek. “I will leave if my presence here is a burden on you.”
In the cover of the grasses...a pair of eyes shown through. after seeing the shows of affections, the owner of the eyes pulled back, further into the grass.
CHAPTER: A STOLEN GLANCE
CHAPTER: THE STORY
CHAPTER: ON THE HUNT
THE EPILOGUE:
LEGAL NOTE:
Elanna sighed, “My king...what have I done?”
He shook his head again. “Nothing...but I need to go.” Quickly he ran into the grass, leaving an astonished lioness behind.
Later that day, Ujuzi pulled Wehu aside, “My daughter...I think Elanna might be moving in on my position. I think she might be trying to steal your father from me.”
Wehu gasped, “No mother...you are wrong. I know Elanna...she would never do anything like that to you...or anyone.”
“Listen to me daughter...if you watch them like I do...it would be plain to you. She is trying to muscle in on my lion...and I won’t have it.”
“What do you suggest I do? Go and spy on her like you?”
“Yes...exactly.”
“No mother...I can’t do that to her.”
“What are you afraid of? If you are right then you won’t mind looking in on them. If there’s no wrongdoing, there will be nothing to see.”
Wehu stormed off without an answer. Ujuzi smiled...the first part of the plan was done...now to set the trap for her prey. She found Elanna resting alone in the clearing. Mabongo had come back from his ‘patrol’ and was resting a short distance off. There was tension in the air between the two when Ujuzi walked to Elanna and within ear shot of the king. “Sweetie? You like Wehu, don’t you?”
“Yes, queen.”
“She was my first...and I have had many strong children after her.” She smiled softly, “And how many children have you had?”
Elanna sighed softly...as the memory of her dead son comes back to her, “None my queen. I can’t have cubs.”
Ujuzi just chuckled and shook her head, “That’s a real shame. You know a lioness is not a real lioness until she has her first child.” With that, she walked back to the king and rubbed up against him.
Elanna turned her head away from the two, her eyes focusing off in the distance as tears began to form in her eyes. Ujuzi chuckled softly again and walked off...knowing what would happen next. Sure enough, Mabongo rose and walked over to the crying lioness. “Elanna?”
Elanna turned her head towards him, wiping her eyes clean, “Yes my king?”
He sat down next to her, looking down at the lioness, “I heard what my wife said to you. I don’t know what got into her, it was uncalled for.”
Elanna just nodded, “She is right though...I’m not a real lioness.” She turned to look at him, “That’s why I left Kubali, because I couldn’t give him cubs. I might be a lioness in form...but not a real lioness.” More tears started to form in her eyes as she looked into the sky, “I love cubs so much! Why Aiheu? Why me?” She turned aside and started to sob. “I want to go home!”
Mabongo leaned down and nuzzled her softly, which made her jump a bit. “Dear Elanna...so much tragedy in your life. Aiheu doesn’t do anything without a purpose. You must remember that.” He smiled to her softly, “You are no less a lioness in my eyes because of your injury. You are a very welcome part to this pride. The cubs absolutely love you, and the other members, save my wife, find you very kind and caring. I hope you don’t think about leaving because of her.”
She sighed softly, “I had been thinking it...but I don’t know what to do or where to go. I’m tired of running...”
He shook his head, “Then you don’t have to go. I will talk to my wife and get her to end these attacks. She is a queen...and it is far time she acted it.”
She smiled softly, “You would do that for me?”
He nodded and chuckled, “She may be the queen...but you are also important to me. She can’t be doing this to you...it’s unfair. You see, my dear, she’s very jealous of you.”
“Jealous? Of me?”
“Yes. That’s what was wrong when you came to cub-set. I wasn’t upset at you. I was just afraid what Ujuzi would think, but frankly I won’t hurt your feelings just to spare hers.”
She smiled softly, “I understand now. I’m not worried that she was jealous--it explains a lot. But I’d hate to think I lost your friendship.”
“You never will. She’ll have to learn to deal with her jealousy some other way than victimizing you. Now we spend much time together. And I won’t lie to you--you’re a very beautiful lioness and I couldn’t help but notice that. But there’s no one for me but Ujuzi. I’d never dream of cheating on her.”
“And I’d never dream of breaking up your marriage. But you are a dear, sweet thing and I’m very fond of you. I like to think my brother might have been like you.” She sat up and moved her head to give a lick to his cheek. “I will leave if my presence here is a burden on you.”
In the cover of the grasses...a pair of eyes shown through. after seeing the shows of affections, the owner of the eyes pulled back, further into the grass.
CHAPTER: A STOLEN GLANCE
Wehu couldn’t believe what she just saw...the new lioness--her dear friend--going after her father. At first she didn’t believe what her mother told her about Elanna. She always saw her as being a kind, caring lioness, and she never thought Elanna would try to steal her father away. She had tried to dismiss her mother, but Ujuzi had persisted and convinced to keep an eye open. Maybe her mother was right...maybe she was trying to steal father.
Slowly she appeared in a clearing...her mother already waiting there for her. “Well?” the elder lioness asked.
Wehu’s head hung low, “She kissed him...”
Ujuzi grinned, “See...I told you that she was trying to steal him from me. Now...what are we going to do about this fallen queen?”
Wehu blinked, “We? Mother...I don’t know what really happened. I couldn’t hear what they were talking about. All I saw was her give him a innocent little lick.”
“Daughter...I know what I feel from my husband. She is moving in on me and I won’t have it.”
“And I won’t get involved in something I don’t know what is happening. Don’t ask me of this. Elanna is my friend...I trust her.”
“Who do you trust more...this ‘friend’ who just got here within a moon...or your mother who gave you life and kept you alive? Do you expect me to throw away six years of marriage? Six LONG years that I’ve hunted for him, carried cubs for him, picked him up when he fell down! Comforted him when he wept! Six LONG years. And what do I ask of you, my own flesh and blood? For all the love and care I’ve given you? This one thing alone I’ve asked. That you help me against this viper that would come between your father and I! Honey Tree, you’re young. You don’t see things the way my older and wiser eyes do. Where do your loyalties lie--tell me, daughter.”
Wehu just stood there, stunned at her mother’s attitude. She was about ready to answer when a rustling sound from the distance. Her mother hushed her as the king appeared through the grass. “Hello you two.” He moved to join the two lionesses, “Wehu...would you excuse me and mother for a few moments, I have to talk to her.”
Wehu looked to her mother and father, then nodded, “All right...I’ll be around.” With that, she disappeared into the grass.
The king turned to his wife, “Why are you harassing Elanna, dear? Why did you bring up cubs in front of her like that?”
Ujuzi shook her head, putting on her best act, “Dear...I didn’t know about her and cubs. I just thought I would mention it to her.”
“I told you about her problem. Don’t you remember?”
“Oh...if you say so, dear...it must have slipped my mind. I’m sorry...I really didn’t mean to hurt her feelings.”
“It seems like you are trying to make her life difficult here. She has been through a lot in her life. Please...for her...for me...give her some slack and make her feel welcomed here. Everyone but you seem to love her.”
Ujuzi moved closer to him, and nuzzled him, taking a moment to catch Elanna’s scent on his cheek. “Of course my husband...I will.” She pulled back as thought went through her mind, “I will be nice to her.”
Mabongo smiled, “Thank you love...now if you will excuse me, I need to finish my patrol.” He gave her another nuzzle and continued on his way.
Ujuzi sat down, waiting a short time before calling out, “Wehu...come on out.” Wehu appeared a short time later, sitting beside her. “We need to do something to Elanna...she is the evil one here...not my husband.”
Wehu shook her head, “No mother...please...I don’t want to be involved.”
Ujuzi looked at her coldly, “You will help me...remember that I am your mother...your queen...and the lioness that got you the title you hold. How would you like me to give your title to another lioness. I know Kiesi would love to be hunt mistress.”
She looked at her mother and sighed, “All right...all right...I’ll help you.”
Ujuzi almost wept. “My darling, my firstborn, I know I’ve asked a lot of you, but Sweetie, I’ll make it up to you, I swear!” She nuzzled her daughter who returned the nuzzle desperately and kissed her mother.
“Please Mom, let’s not argue any more.”
“Of course, Sweetie! If you want to know who loves you, and who would never take advantage of you, it’s your mother.” Ujuzi pawed her cheek and kissed her. “You relied on me when you were young and weak. Now Honey Tree I’m growing old and weak and I need someone I can rely on.”
Just...don’t ask me not to hurt her.”
Ujuzi smiled. “Hurt her? No, your father would be furious if someone hurt her. But she might have an accident.”
“An accident??”
Ujuzi smiled innocently. “Maybe it’s time we gave Lannie poo another chance to hunt.” The queen leaned over and started to whisper into Wehu’s ear. Wehu eyes went wide as the plan was passed to her.
Slowly she appeared in a clearing...her mother already waiting there for her. “Well?” the elder lioness asked.
Wehu’s head hung low, “She kissed him...”
Ujuzi grinned, “See...I told you that she was trying to steal him from me. Now...what are we going to do about this fallen queen?”
Wehu blinked, “We? Mother...I don’t know what really happened. I couldn’t hear what they were talking about. All I saw was her give him a innocent little lick.”
“Daughter...I know what I feel from my husband. She is moving in on me and I won’t have it.”
“And I won’t get involved in something I don’t know what is happening. Don’t ask me of this. Elanna is my friend...I trust her.”
“Who do you trust more...this ‘friend’ who just got here within a moon...or your mother who gave you life and kept you alive? Do you expect me to throw away six years of marriage? Six LONG years that I’ve hunted for him, carried cubs for him, picked him up when he fell down! Comforted him when he wept! Six LONG years. And what do I ask of you, my own flesh and blood? For all the love and care I’ve given you? This one thing alone I’ve asked. That you help me against this viper that would come between your father and I! Honey Tree, you’re young. You don’t see things the way my older and wiser eyes do. Where do your loyalties lie--tell me, daughter.”
Wehu just stood there, stunned at her mother’s attitude. She was about ready to answer when a rustling sound from the distance. Her mother hushed her as the king appeared through the grass. “Hello you two.” He moved to join the two lionesses, “Wehu...would you excuse me and mother for a few moments, I have to talk to her.”
Wehu looked to her mother and father, then nodded, “All right...I’ll be around.” With that, she disappeared into the grass.
The king turned to his wife, “Why are you harassing Elanna, dear? Why did you bring up cubs in front of her like that?”
Ujuzi shook her head, putting on her best act, “Dear...I didn’t know about her and cubs. I just thought I would mention it to her.”
“I told you about her problem. Don’t you remember?”
“Oh...if you say so, dear...it must have slipped my mind. I’m sorry...I really didn’t mean to hurt her feelings.”
“It seems like you are trying to make her life difficult here. She has been through a lot in her life. Please...for her...for me...give her some slack and make her feel welcomed here. Everyone but you seem to love her.”
Ujuzi moved closer to him, and nuzzled him, taking a moment to catch Elanna’s scent on his cheek. “Of course my husband...I will.” She pulled back as thought went through her mind, “I will be nice to her.”
Mabongo smiled, “Thank you love...now if you will excuse me, I need to finish my patrol.” He gave her another nuzzle and continued on his way.
Ujuzi sat down, waiting a short time before calling out, “Wehu...come on out.” Wehu appeared a short time later, sitting beside her. “We need to do something to Elanna...she is the evil one here...not my husband.”
Wehu shook her head, “No mother...please...I don’t want to be involved.”
Ujuzi looked at her coldly, “You will help me...remember that I am your mother...your queen...and the lioness that got you the title you hold. How would you like me to give your title to another lioness. I know Kiesi would love to be hunt mistress.”
She looked at her mother and sighed, “All right...all right...I’ll help you.”
Ujuzi almost wept. “My darling, my firstborn, I know I’ve asked a lot of you, but Sweetie, I’ll make it up to you, I swear!” She nuzzled her daughter who returned the nuzzle desperately and kissed her mother.
“Please Mom, let’s not argue any more.”
“Of course, Sweetie! If you want to know who loves you, and who would never take advantage of you, it’s your mother.” Ujuzi pawed her cheek and kissed her. “You relied on me when you were young and weak. Now Honey Tree I’m growing old and weak and I need someone I can rely on.”
Just...don’t ask me not to hurt her.”
Ujuzi smiled. “Hurt her? No, your father would be furious if someone hurt her. But she might have an accident.”
“An accident??”
Ujuzi smiled innocently. “Maybe it’s time we gave Lannie poo another chance to hunt.” The queen leaned over and started to whisper into Wehu’s ear. Wehu eyes went wide as the plan was passed to her.
CHAPTER: THE STORY
Elanna had settled back among the cubs, relating a story of her and Sarabi during happier times. The cubs...and even Darky...were sitting around her in silence as she talked about how they played and got in trouble with Muffy and Taka. Slowly though, as the story continued and the memories flooded back into her mind, tears began to form in Elanna’s eyes.
The cubs noticed this and Inwiena spoke up, “Auntie Elanna...this is a fun story...why are you crying?
Elanna smiled to her, using a paw to wipe her eyes, “Dearie...it’s just bringing back memories...good memories...before me and my sister got mad at each other.”
“You and your sister still fight?”
She shrugged, “I don’t know...it’s been so long since I have seen her...I do miss her though.”
“Why not go back then?”
Elanna chuckled and sighed, “It’s not quite that easy...if I thought I could, I would.”
Inwiena looked back to Ibura, her sister, “We fight...but we always say we sorry and we still love each other.” She looked back to Elanna, “Maybe you go say that to your sister?” She moved and placed a paw on Elanna, “Then you won’t cry no more.”
“Anymore.” Elanna licked the top of the cub’s head, “Maybe ...perhaps. If only I saw the world through your eyes...none of this would have happened.” She nuzzled the cub and smiled, “You have something special, a sister that loves you unconditionally...I only wish I had the same.”
The cubs looked at her sadly as Elanna lowers her head back down to her paws. Inwiena moved back to her sister and flopped down next to her, whispering, “I’ll never be mad at you.”
Elanna looked at the group...their mood now saddened by her story. “You don’t have to be sad for me...I have accepted my place in the circle.” She smiled softly. “Hey, if I hadn’t been in trouble there, I wouldn’t have met you! And I’m glad I met you. Now...who would like to hear another story?”
The ears of the cubs perked up and they nodded enthusiastically. Elanna was about ready to take a breath to start her story when Ujuzi and Wehu appeared.
“Hello Elanna,” Wehu said. “Keeping the cubs occupied?” She looked straight at Darky, who turned her head a bit from her.
Elanna looked at the two, “Hello my queen. Hello, Wehu. Yes...I was just telling them a story of my sister and I.”
Ujuzi prodded her daughter, looking at Elanna. Wehu jumped a bit at the prodding then looked to Elanna, “You have been making great progress with me in your hunting skills. So much, that I think it’s time that you join us. Darky, why don’t you take over?”
Elanna smiled a bit, ready to hunt. She rose slowly from the grass and yawned, shaking off the dead grass on her pelt. Amid the pleas of the cubs for her to say, she stretched out her body and muscles.
The cubs noticed this and Inwiena spoke up, “Auntie Elanna...this is a fun story...why are you crying?
Elanna smiled to her, using a paw to wipe her eyes, “Dearie...it’s just bringing back memories...good memories...before me and my sister got mad at each other.”
“You and your sister still fight?”
She shrugged, “I don’t know...it’s been so long since I have seen her...I do miss her though.”
“Why not go back then?”
Elanna chuckled and sighed, “It’s not quite that easy...if I thought I could, I would.”
Inwiena looked back to Ibura, her sister, “We fight...but we always say we sorry and we still love each other.” She looked back to Elanna, “Maybe you go say that to your sister?” She moved and placed a paw on Elanna, “Then you won’t cry no more.”
“Anymore.” Elanna licked the top of the cub’s head, “Maybe ...perhaps. If only I saw the world through your eyes...none of this would have happened.” She nuzzled the cub and smiled, “You have something special, a sister that loves you unconditionally...I only wish I had the same.”
The cubs looked at her sadly as Elanna lowers her head back down to her paws. Inwiena moved back to her sister and flopped down next to her, whispering, “I’ll never be mad at you.”
Elanna looked at the group...their mood now saddened by her story. “You don’t have to be sad for me...I have accepted my place in the circle.” She smiled softly. “Hey, if I hadn’t been in trouble there, I wouldn’t have met you! And I’m glad I met you. Now...who would like to hear another story?”
The ears of the cubs perked up and they nodded enthusiastically. Elanna was about ready to take a breath to start her story when Ujuzi and Wehu appeared.
“Hello Elanna,” Wehu said. “Keeping the cubs occupied?” She looked straight at Darky, who turned her head a bit from her.
Elanna looked at the two, “Hello my queen. Hello, Wehu. Yes...I was just telling them a story of my sister and I.”
Ujuzi prodded her daughter, looking at Elanna. Wehu jumped a bit at the prodding then looked to Elanna, “You have been making great progress with me in your hunting skills. So much, that I think it’s time that you join us. Darky, why don’t you take over?”
Elanna smiled a bit, ready to hunt. She rose slowly from the grass and yawned, shaking off the dead grass on her pelt. Amid the pleas of the cubs for her to say, she stretched out her body and muscles.
CHAPTER: ON THE HUNT
Elanna was overwhelmed at the chance of getting on the hunt again. Though she hated to leave the cubs, she wanted her old life back. Enthused about the chance to redeem herself, she went to Wehu. “I need to make up for my last mistake.... I’ll be the beater this time.”
“Oh no, my dear,” the Queen said, moving past her daughter and rubbing against Elanna. “You will be next to my daughter. This will signal a new time of friendship among us. I haven’t been very nice to you. But now I want to get to know you better, and show you how I really feel about you.” She grinned slightly as she moved away from the two, getting a look from her daughter.
Elanna smiled to the queen, bowing her head slightly, “I pray that Aiheu may remove all doubts from your mind about me.”
Ujuzi turned her head from her, grinning, “He has, my dear. I have no questions about you or your intentions. Now we will see what kind of huntress you really are.”
Perhaps if Elanna had looked deeply into Ujuzi’s cold stare, she would have seen past the smile. She would have suspected the plan that Ujuzi had in store for her.
The other lionesses were in a good mood to see Elanna among them. They all nuzzled her and commented on how fast that she came back when they saw her. There was a certain relaxing of tension among them that could be seen and even felt in subtle ways impossible to describe. Ujuzi herself seemed to be in an upbeat, if intense mood. Unlike the others, Wehu seemed to be tense as she scanned the horizon for the target of the nights hunt.
Quietly the group headed into the grass, searching for that weak animal that would sustain them for another day. Elanna sensed that something was wrong with Wehu as the night progressed. Slowly she moved over to her and tried to improve her mood. “I’m glad to be hunting again. I feel you have talked with your mother--there’s no other explanation. You’re a dear friend, and so like my daughter might have been." Elanna smiled nervously to the hunt mistress. "I want to do well and not mess up again."
Wehu turned to her and tried to put on a smile, failing miserably, "I wouldn't worry about that if I were you."
Elanna looked at her curiously, but shook it off. “Still, I feel the queen is only being nice to me because of you. If there’s anything I can do to make your mother really like me, let me know. Your father likes me well enough.”
Wehu swallowed slowly, looking down at the ground. “So I gathered.”
“Aiheu bless you for your kindness. At my age, I need peace and stability. I’ve felt torn up inside since I got here. You’re all that holds me together.”
Wehu nuzzled her, her insides tight over what her mother had planned. "I think you will find peace.” Wehu hung her head. “You know Lannie, you've had to face a lot of obstacles in your life. I wonder if I would have done half as well." Wehu added quietly, "No matter how this hunt turns out, I think you're a good lioness."
Elanna looked at her in surprise at her statement “Now I AM frightened. Is so much riding on my making well tonight?”
“No, Honey Tree. Don’t worry about it. I’m just making a statement, that’s all.” Wehu sniffed at the air and sighs softly, “I smell something.” Quietly she grunted to the others in the group…signaling them to get prepared for the hunt.
As the pride topped the hill, they spotted their target for the night, a small group of wildebeest. Wehu looked around at the group, as if she was about ready to make a decision which she dreaded. Quietly she cleared her throat as she looked to the pride. “Mom, you head to the right with Kiesi. Tetesi, come left with me.”
Elanna looked to Wehu in confusion, “Where do I go?”
Wehu tried to smile as her insides tightened more, “You have a very important part.” She motioned with her head, “You head down the dry gully as far as you can and when you hear all grief break loose, climb out and create panic.”
Elanna looked down at where she was suppose to be, through the sea of wildebeests. She turned backed to Wehu “Are you sure that it is safe for me? I’m getting awfully close to their hooves when you start to drive them.”
“It’s not as bad as it sounds, dear. We’ll be pushing in toward your position. If you’re careful, there should be very little danger to you.” She tried again with a reassuring smile, “It’s Tetesi and I that will have to watch out.” She tried to let out a small chuckle, “And Mom is not as young as she used to be.”
Elanna nodded softly, still not suspecting what the real prey was. “I’m sorry Wehu. I guess I just have to get use to a new hunting style.” She looked up to her, “I trust you with my life, something I don’t do to many.” She smiled up to her, “Just tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”
Wehu nodded and tried to hold the pain in her stomach, “Thank you Lannie…um…I have to speak with the others to set up our portion of the hunt.” With that, she quickly moved over to Kiesi and Tetesi.
The two lionesses looked at the hunt mistress, “What are we going to do, Wehu? What’s the plan?”
“Just do as you’re told, girls. I’m sorry it makes no sense, but I’ve given Elanna some special instructions. It will be clear to you when it all comes together.”
As Wehu was talking to the other lionesses, the queen made her way towards Elanna, “Well, I’m sure you will do well on this hunt. As a matter of fact, I talked my daughter into letting you come on to this hunt. She thought you might not be ready.” She nuzzled Elanna gently and smiled, “But I convinced her to let you play this pivotal role. If everything goes well, we'll have a kill for sure.”
Elanna smiled to the queen and returned the nuzzle as Wehu glanced over and glared at her mother.
The hunters regrouped and began to make their moves. Elanna was very careful to watch Wehu’s, the signs she had been taught running through her mind. Wehu sent the other lionesses off, and before disappearing with Tetesi, she nodded at Elanna. It was time.
Elanna kept a low profile and walked with a quiet tread as only a cat could through the savanna grasses and toward the beginning of the dry wadi.
There were rocks in the bottom of the wadi. It would take all her skill to keep from making sound there. She stepped gingerly from boulder to boulder, avoiding the loose pebbles and gravel that could make scraping noises.
So far, she had not heard a stampeding herd. There was not even the nervous stamping of a few spooked animals. She could tell by the grunts and low calls of mothers to calves and the chirps back that against all hope she had pulled off the perfect stalk. How proud Ujuzi would be of her! And how proud Wehu would be! With pride in her heart, she waited for the signal, prepared to make a mighty effort to start panic among the wildebeests.
Suddenly, she heard a rush, and what she thought was a signal. Wehu shouted, “Stay still! Don’t move!”
The rumble of hooves was all around her. Suddenly the hunt mistress was bounding down the wadi after Elanna with Tetesi behind her. Wehu had been hit on the side by one of the animals and was bleeding a bit.
“Oh thank Aiheu! You’re all right!”
“Why? What happened?? Did I mess things up??” She looked at her friend, “Oh Wehu, your bleeding!”
“No, Sweetie! You didn't mess up! I did!” She didn’t seem to notice the bleeding or care for that mater.
“You did?”
Wehu looked down at Elanna’s paws and suddenly burst into tears. Elanna looked at her curiously and nuzzled against her. Wehu looked up and into her eyes, “Forgive me! I love you, Elanna! Forgive me!”
“For what?? I’m all right! So you made a little mistake on the hunt--who am I to be upset with you?? Why are you acting like this??”
Wehu looked up quickly, the fear showing in her eyes, “Run, Elanna! Don’t ask why, just run. Run far away! Or the queen will try to kill you again!"
Elanna was shocked, but before she could react Ujuzi came running into the wadi, snarling. “Wehu, are you all right??” She noticed the blood quickly. “Did Elanna almost get you killed??"
Wehu growled back at her mother, “You know good and well what happened! I couldn’t carry out your orders! Not and stand before Aiheu when I die!"
The Queen growled, "I don't need a trick to kill a dirty little adulteress!" She turned viscously on Elanna but before she could advance, Wehu bodily blocked her mother.
"Out of my way, brat!"
"No! You'll have to kill me first!"
"I am your queen!"
"I thought you were my mother! You're not! I don't even know you!"
"You're not hunt mistress anymore! You disgraced the one who bore you!"
"You disgraced yourself! Elanna and I are leaving together."
"No we're not!" Elanna shouted, which instantly silenced the Queen, her daughter, and the other lionesses in the pride. Elanna turned on the queen. "You think all I dream about is making it with your husband!"
"Watch your mouth!" she screamed balefully at Elanna.
Elanna snapped back, "I've just gotten started, Missy! And do you want to DO something about it??" Elanna stepped forward. "I'm not afraid of you, you overstuffed, backbiting, treacherous loud-mouthed hussy!"
The queen silenced, backing back as she saw Elanna for the first time. No longer was she a timid little mouse, but a mighty hunter.
"Mabongo is like the brother I never had, and Wehu is like the daughter I never had. Personally I don't care if you live or die, but they love you--no matter what you think--and I don't want to see them hurt. If you want to hold on to that husband of yours, start by showing him a little respect! Now by your leave, YOUR HIGHNESS, I will leave you and your ‘pride’ alone!"
Elanna turned away from the queen, catching her breath. Instantly, her gaze fell on Wehu.
"Where will you go?" she asked, moving towards her.
Elanna nuzzled her gently, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Where I belong. I'm going back to my sister to face my past. If I can face Sarabi, you can face your mother. Honey Tree, it doesn't seem like it now, but you will work this out with your mother. It's all right. I want you to."
Wehu kissed Elanna, then went to the Queen. Embarrassed, Ujuzi looked down.
Wehu began to weep softly, and Ujuzi gently but urgently began to clean the cut on her side.
"Ujuzi?" Elanna called. The Queen looked up and tried to meet her eyes with her own. "He never loved any lioness but you. I’ll admit I found him attractive, but I never tried to act on it. I swear to Aiheu. He loves you, Ujuzi. I hope the two of you have a good life. Sometimes dreams do come true--not always, but I hope yours do."
"You too, Hon," Ujuzi said. "But somewhere else, please?"
Elanna nodded, turned, and walked away.
“Oh no, my dear,” the Queen said, moving past her daughter and rubbing against Elanna. “You will be next to my daughter. This will signal a new time of friendship among us. I haven’t been very nice to you. But now I want to get to know you better, and show you how I really feel about you.” She grinned slightly as she moved away from the two, getting a look from her daughter.
Elanna smiled to the queen, bowing her head slightly, “I pray that Aiheu may remove all doubts from your mind about me.”
Ujuzi turned her head from her, grinning, “He has, my dear. I have no questions about you or your intentions. Now we will see what kind of huntress you really are.”
Perhaps if Elanna had looked deeply into Ujuzi’s cold stare, she would have seen past the smile. She would have suspected the plan that Ujuzi had in store for her.
The other lionesses were in a good mood to see Elanna among them. They all nuzzled her and commented on how fast that she came back when they saw her. There was a certain relaxing of tension among them that could be seen and even felt in subtle ways impossible to describe. Ujuzi herself seemed to be in an upbeat, if intense mood. Unlike the others, Wehu seemed to be tense as she scanned the horizon for the target of the nights hunt.
Quietly the group headed into the grass, searching for that weak animal that would sustain them for another day. Elanna sensed that something was wrong with Wehu as the night progressed. Slowly she moved over to her and tried to improve her mood. “I’m glad to be hunting again. I feel you have talked with your mother--there’s no other explanation. You’re a dear friend, and so like my daughter might have been." Elanna smiled nervously to the hunt mistress. "I want to do well and not mess up again."
Wehu turned to her and tried to put on a smile, failing miserably, "I wouldn't worry about that if I were you."
Elanna looked at her curiously, but shook it off. “Still, I feel the queen is only being nice to me because of you. If there’s anything I can do to make your mother really like me, let me know. Your father likes me well enough.”
Wehu swallowed slowly, looking down at the ground. “So I gathered.”
“Aiheu bless you for your kindness. At my age, I need peace and stability. I’ve felt torn up inside since I got here. You’re all that holds me together.”
Wehu nuzzled her, her insides tight over what her mother had planned. "I think you will find peace.” Wehu hung her head. “You know Lannie, you've had to face a lot of obstacles in your life. I wonder if I would have done half as well." Wehu added quietly, "No matter how this hunt turns out, I think you're a good lioness."
Elanna looked at her in surprise at her statement “Now I AM frightened. Is so much riding on my making well tonight?”
“No, Honey Tree. Don’t worry about it. I’m just making a statement, that’s all.” Wehu sniffed at the air and sighs softly, “I smell something.” Quietly she grunted to the others in the group…signaling them to get prepared for the hunt.
As the pride topped the hill, they spotted their target for the night, a small group of wildebeest. Wehu looked around at the group, as if she was about ready to make a decision which she dreaded. Quietly she cleared her throat as she looked to the pride. “Mom, you head to the right with Kiesi. Tetesi, come left with me.”
Elanna looked to Wehu in confusion, “Where do I go?”
Wehu tried to smile as her insides tightened more, “You have a very important part.” She motioned with her head, “You head down the dry gully as far as you can and when you hear all grief break loose, climb out and create panic.”
Elanna looked down at where she was suppose to be, through the sea of wildebeests. She turned backed to Wehu “Are you sure that it is safe for me? I’m getting awfully close to their hooves when you start to drive them.”
“It’s not as bad as it sounds, dear. We’ll be pushing in toward your position. If you’re careful, there should be very little danger to you.” She tried again with a reassuring smile, “It’s Tetesi and I that will have to watch out.” She tried to let out a small chuckle, “And Mom is not as young as she used to be.”
Elanna nodded softly, still not suspecting what the real prey was. “I’m sorry Wehu. I guess I just have to get use to a new hunting style.” She looked up to her, “I trust you with my life, something I don’t do to many.” She smiled up to her, “Just tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”
Wehu nodded and tried to hold the pain in her stomach, “Thank you Lannie…um…I have to speak with the others to set up our portion of the hunt.” With that, she quickly moved over to Kiesi and Tetesi.
The two lionesses looked at the hunt mistress, “What are we going to do, Wehu? What’s the plan?”
“Just do as you’re told, girls. I’m sorry it makes no sense, but I’ve given Elanna some special instructions. It will be clear to you when it all comes together.”
As Wehu was talking to the other lionesses, the queen made her way towards Elanna, “Well, I’m sure you will do well on this hunt. As a matter of fact, I talked my daughter into letting you come on to this hunt. She thought you might not be ready.” She nuzzled Elanna gently and smiled, “But I convinced her to let you play this pivotal role. If everything goes well, we'll have a kill for sure.”
Elanna smiled to the queen and returned the nuzzle as Wehu glanced over and glared at her mother.
The hunters regrouped and began to make their moves. Elanna was very careful to watch Wehu’s, the signs she had been taught running through her mind. Wehu sent the other lionesses off, and before disappearing with Tetesi, she nodded at Elanna. It was time.
Elanna kept a low profile and walked with a quiet tread as only a cat could through the savanna grasses and toward the beginning of the dry wadi.
There were rocks in the bottom of the wadi. It would take all her skill to keep from making sound there. She stepped gingerly from boulder to boulder, avoiding the loose pebbles and gravel that could make scraping noises.
So far, she had not heard a stampeding herd. There was not even the nervous stamping of a few spooked animals. She could tell by the grunts and low calls of mothers to calves and the chirps back that against all hope she had pulled off the perfect stalk. How proud Ujuzi would be of her! And how proud Wehu would be! With pride in her heart, she waited for the signal, prepared to make a mighty effort to start panic among the wildebeests.
Suddenly, she heard a rush, and what she thought was a signal. Wehu shouted, “Stay still! Don’t move!”
The rumble of hooves was all around her. Suddenly the hunt mistress was bounding down the wadi after Elanna with Tetesi behind her. Wehu had been hit on the side by one of the animals and was bleeding a bit.
“Oh thank Aiheu! You’re all right!”
“Why? What happened?? Did I mess things up??” She looked at her friend, “Oh Wehu, your bleeding!”
“No, Sweetie! You didn't mess up! I did!” She didn’t seem to notice the bleeding or care for that mater.
“You did?”
Wehu looked down at Elanna’s paws and suddenly burst into tears. Elanna looked at her curiously and nuzzled against her. Wehu looked up and into her eyes, “Forgive me! I love you, Elanna! Forgive me!”
“For what?? I’m all right! So you made a little mistake on the hunt--who am I to be upset with you?? Why are you acting like this??”
Wehu looked up quickly, the fear showing in her eyes, “Run, Elanna! Don’t ask why, just run. Run far away! Or the queen will try to kill you again!"
Elanna was shocked, but before she could react Ujuzi came running into the wadi, snarling. “Wehu, are you all right??” She noticed the blood quickly. “Did Elanna almost get you killed??"
Wehu growled back at her mother, “You know good and well what happened! I couldn’t carry out your orders! Not and stand before Aiheu when I die!"
The Queen growled, "I don't need a trick to kill a dirty little adulteress!" She turned viscously on Elanna but before she could advance, Wehu bodily blocked her mother.
"Out of my way, brat!"
"No! You'll have to kill me first!"
"I am your queen!"
"I thought you were my mother! You're not! I don't even know you!"
"You're not hunt mistress anymore! You disgraced the one who bore you!"
"You disgraced yourself! Elanna and I are leaving together."
"No we're not!" Elanna shouted, which instantly silenced the Queen, her daughter, and the other lionesses in the pride. Elanna turned on the queen. "You think all I dream about is making it with your husband!"
"Watch your mouth!" she screamed balefully at Elanna.
Elanna snapped back, "I've just gotten started, Missy! And do you want to DO something about it??" Elanna stepped forward. "I'm not afraid of you, you overstuffed, backbiting, treacherous loud-mouthed hussy!"
The queen silenced, backing back as she saw Elanna for the first time. No longer was she a timid little mouse, but a mighty hunter.
"Mabongo is like the brother I never had, and Wehu is like the daughter I never had. Personally I don't care if you live or die, but they love you--no matter what you think--and I don't want to see them hurt. If you want to hold on to that husband of yours, start by showing him a little respect! Now by your leave, YOUR HIGHNESS, I will leave you and your ‘pride’ alone!"
Elanna turned away from the queen, catching her breath. Instantly, her gaze fell on Wehu.
"Where will you go?" she asked, moving towards her.
Elanna nuzzled her gently, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Where I belong. I'm going back to my sister to face my past. If I can face Sarabi, you can face your mother. Honey Tree, it doesn't seem like it now, but you will work this out with your mother. It's all right. I want you to."
Wehu kissed Elanna, then went to the Queen. Embarrassed, Ujuzi looked down.
Wehu began to weep softly, and Ujuzi gently but urgently began to clean the cut on her side.
"Ujuzi?" Elanna called. The Queen looked up and tried to meet her eyes with her own. "He never loved any lioness but you. I’ll admit I found him attractive, but I never tried to act on it. I swear to Aiheu. He loves you, Ujuzi. I hope the two of you have a good life. Sometimes dreams do come true--not always, but I hope yours do."
"You too, Hon," Ujuzi said. "But somewhere else, please?"
Elanna nodded, turned, and walked away.
THE EPILOGUE:
Elanna felt that she would be home by nightfall--either home with Sarabi or Taka. She sought the advice of Rafiki. If anyone could help her know what to expect, it would be him. True, her husband had brutalized him and kept him locked away. Still, inside she felt that if anyone could forgive her, it would be him.
She stalked quietly up to his baobab. She was not certain if he would still be there after the rigors of his long confinement. In fact, she did not even know if he was still alive.
She saw something that made her heart race. A lioness was playing with a young mandrill under the tree. Could that be Rafiki’s son? She could not be sure, and yet she finally recognized the lioness. Uzuri!
What luck! Uzuri had always been willing to stand by her! She felt a tremendous urge to break cover and rush to her, pawing and kissing the one who had been so kind! Still, she remembered the hyena’s warning. She had been told that death awaited her at Pride Rock.
Her conflicting emotions of fear and love made her tremble. The battle within her made her huntress’ concentration lapse, and she didn’t notice which way the wind was blowing for some time.
A quick gust of wind swirled about her ears and tickled her whiskers--and headed straight for Uzuri. Elanna panicked and chills wracked her as the young mandrill turned and pointed directly at her.
“Please, Aiheu,” Elanna silently mouthed. “If I must die, let it be quick and merciful.”
With her heart in her mouth, Elanna rose and stepped out of the tall grass. Trembling, her gaze locked on Uzuri’s startled expression. She saw the lioness quietly mouth, “Oh my gods!”
Makaka glanced nervously from one lioness to the other. The tension was so strong it fairly rustled the grass.
“Lannie! I thought you were dead!” Uzuri took a step forward.
Elanna took a step backward. Her heart pounded. She heard escape from her lips, “Don’t hurt me!” It was almost as if someone else was speaking inside her. Fear had weakened her, and her knees nearly buckled under her weight.
Uzuri paused and lowered her head a bit. “Hon, I won’t hurt you. I’m your friend, remember?”
Elanna wanted to believe that. She wanted to trust her more than anything. For one awful moment, she wondered if this might be a trick to bring her back alive to justice. But Uzuri’s eyes were kind and sincere. There was pity and love in their hazel depths, enough to heal a world of hurts.
She crept toward her old huntmistress, trying to summon some dignity from her past. Her head was erect and her shoulders were square, though her heart was pounding like a hammer.
When she was but a length away, Elanna rushed the last couple of steps into a desperate nuzzle. She rubbed her face against Uzuri’s soft cheek. She took an ear between her lips and mouthed it lovingly, stroking it with the tip of her tongue. Then she rubbed full length down her warm, lithe body, feeling the familiar comfort and mixing the fragrance with her own. “Oh gods!” she murmured, tears filling her eyes. “Uzuri, I’ve been so alone!”
Her friend purred and gave her a gentle touch of her tongue. “Not any more, dear. Not any more."
Elanna thought about her sister Sarabi. Would she be as quick to forgive? Could she forgive the mate of her husband’s killer? She sighed deeply. "I can't come back. The others--they hate me. I just know it. They'll never let me stay." She started to cry, looking down at the ground. "Uzuri, I don't know what to do! I've been alone for the longest time. I can't stand it anymore! I tried to join Mabongo's pride but his wife is insanely jealous. She tried to kill me!"
"Oh honey tree!" Uzuri nuzzled her again.
“It was in the hunt. She said it was an accident, but I know better! I almost ended up like Avina!”
"Poor thing!” She stroked Elanna’s cheek with her paw. “You remember my sons Togo and Kombi, don't you?"
"Yes. How are they?"
"Well Kombi's a king and Togo's his Prince Consort." Uzuri smiled. "Their father died, but his death gave them a new life. Life is like the wind--if you don't like the way it's blowing, wait and it will change." She kissed Elanna's cheek. "They will be glad to take you in, my dear."
"Really?"
"Yes, and you could have a fresh start...." She frowned. "No! Your home is here, and you're going to come home where you belong."
"But they all hate me. They'll never forgive me for marrying Taka."
"I think they will. Don't you want to see your sister Sarabi again?"
"Oh gods, I'd give anything to see her. But it will never work!"
"I don't want you to give anything--just the effort to trust me and come back. Give it a try."
"But facing all of them alone...."
"You're not alone. I will be with you."
"Why are you so good to me?"
"Because I love you, and because I promised Taka that I would look after you the way you asked me to look after him."
Elanna had hoped against hope that the hyena had lied to her about Taka. She had to know the truth. She timidly asked, “How is he? What happened to him?"
"He died like a real lion. You would have been proud of him."
"You are good, Uzuri. So good to me. If it's the two of us, I will give it a try. It can't hurt."
"The three of us," Makaka said.
"The four of us," Rafiki said. Rafiki threw his arms around Elanna's strong neck. "First Simba came back from death. Now my Lannie. God has been generous."
Bravely, hopefully, the four friends headed for Pride Rock. According to Elanna’s wishes, Rafiki and Makaka combined their talents with Elanna’s experience to avoid the sentry patrols and find Sarabi before someone found them. Elanna did not want to be intercepted by an angry Isha who might rip her alive on the spot. If anyone must kill her, it must be her own sister. Maybe with Sarabi there was a chance for mercy.
Elanna ascended Pride Rock the same way she had left it--by stealth. She led her surprised friends up a difficult but well-concealed route that left old Rafiki huffing and puffing, but surprised even Uzuri in its ingenuity. The mistrustful hyenas had devoted a great deal of thought to the approach, and it probably aided many spies to eavesdrop on Taka.
It was the time when Sarabi should have been cub-setting in her usual spot. Rafiki looked around the entrance and spotted her resting in the cool shade. She glanced up at him. “Rafiki, come here old friend!”
“I’d like to, but I think you might want me to wait outside.”
She laughed. “What are you talking about, old monkey?”
“You’ll see.”
Elanna wanted to go right in, but she froze beside the mouth of the cave. She looked at Uzuri and shook her head “no.”
Uzuri half smiled and nodded “yes.”
Lannie tried taking a step, then looked around in a panic. She touched her chest with a paw, the silent hunting signal for retreat. Uzuri shook her head, nuzzled her reassuringly, and tapped her cheek wth a paw. The gesture said, “No!”
Lannie looked at the cave mouth, then looked back at Uzuri. She touched her chest with a paw again and started to walk away. “Oh gods,” she mouthed silently. “I’m scared!”
Uzuri drew close and whispered, “I know. We all are.”
Death had once seemed like release to Elanna, a sort of belated victory. She had contemplated joining her husband among the stars before, but she stood there terrified of dying.
There was no where to run. She was in the middle of the Pride Lands, and the only way out was through. She kissed Uzuri good bye and hoarsely began to whisper the prayer of the dying--in case she did not have the time to utter it in her moment of greatest need.
In a move that was not meant to be morbid, and was not taken morbidly, Rafiki made the sign of Aiheu, circling her eye and touching under her chin. He nodded. “It is time.”
Then she stepped into view....
“Who are you?” Sarabi asked. The bright light behind her made Elanna a silhouette against the azure sky. “Do I know you?”
Elanna had to step closer to Sarabi, and the effort made her tremble and gasp. Still there was no hint of recognition until one feeble word escaped her lips. “Sassie?”
Sarabi’s eyes grew wide and her ears drew back. “You’re dead! Oh my gods!”
“No, Sassie. It’s really me!”
The queen mother looked at her. Her chin trembled and her chest heaved. Tears began to run down her cheeks. “Lannie? I’m....”
“Sis, I want to come home! Oh gods, I want to come home!”
Sarabi rose from the ground and sprang up, wrapping her paws around Elanna’s neck and bearing her to the ground. Wracked with sobs, she pawed and nuzzled Elanna, covering her in warm kisses, feeling her fur, breathing her scent and listening to her heart beat. “Don’t you ever leave me again, girl!”
Lannie reached around Sassie’s strong neck and held her tightly. “I’ll never leave you! Never again! I love you, Sassie!”
“I love you too! I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. Oh Honey Tree, can you forgive me?”
“What do YOU think?” Elanna sniffed back tears. “The hyenas were taking me out to be killed when the battle started.”
“I know. Ten hyenas to one lioness. That’s what we heard.”
“I wanted to come back and help. Really I did, but I thought you didn’t....”
“Hsssh, Honey Tree. It was a bad dream. You’re awake now.”
“How about the Pride Sisters? How many died? How many of the cubs?”
“None and none. Aiheu was with us. Some of the hyenas were with us too. I was bitter and full of rage, but I was touched by a great light that day. Now you’re here and there is no darkness left.”
Makaka slipped his arms about Rafiki, and the old mandrill reached down and kissed his cheek. Tears filled Rafiki’s eyes. “All is as it should be.”
Some of the cubs came forward and looked at the two entwined in their tearful embrace. Sarabi stood up and wiped her face with a paw. “My sister Elanna’s here. You’ve never met her before.”
Sarabi proudly said, “The one in the middle is Tanabi. Simba’s boy. My grandson.”
“Your grandson?”
“And your nephew.” Sarabi smiled at Tanabi. “Come kiss your Aunt Lannie, Honey Tree. She could use it.”
Tanabi came forward and rubbed on Elanna who promptly pulled him close with a paw and began grooming him. “You’re a sweetie, yes you are!”
Lannie looked around at the other small faces and beckoned to the cubs, a smile of almost other-worldly beauty lighting her countenance. “Come here, you! Let’s have fun!” At once they mobbed her, pulling on her tail, kissing her face, and rubbing against her. Elanna wept again, hugging each of the unknown cubs and kissing them.
One asked, “Why are you crying?”
“I’m crying because I’m so happy a smile isn’t good enough!”
Another asked, “Can you tell me a story?”
Elanna affectionately swatted him with a paw. “I’ll certainly try.”
Uzuri poked her head in the cave. “Is everything OK in here?”
Elanna looked about. “Yes, Zuri. Everything is OK in here.”
THE END: TOUCH OF THE NISEI
She stalked quietly up to his baobab. She was not certain if he would still be there after the rigors of his long confinement. In fact, she did not even know if he was still alive.
She saw something that made her heart race. A lioness was playing with a young mandrill under the tree. Could that be Rafiki’s son? She could not be sure, and yet she finally recognized the lioness. Uzuri!
What luck! Uzuri had always been willing to stand by her! She felt a tremendous urge to break cover and rush to her, pawing and kissing the one who had been so kind! Still, she remembered the hyena’s warning. She had been told that death awaited her at Pride Rock.
Her conflicting emotions of fear and love made her tremble. The battle within her made her huntress’ concentration lapse, and she didn’t notice which way the wind was blowing for some time.
A quick gust of wind swirled about her ears and tickled her whiskers--and headed straight for Uzuri. Elanna panicked and chills wracked her as the young mandrill turned and pointed directly at her.
“Please, Aiheu,” Elanna silently mouthed. “If I must die, let it be quick and merciful.”
With her heart in her mouth, Elanna rose and stepped out of the tall grass. Trembling, her gaze locked on Uzuri’s startled expression. She saw the lioness quietly mouth, “Oh my gods!”
Makaka glanced nervously from one lioness to the other. The tension was so strong it fairly rustled the grass.
“Lannie! I thought you were dead!” Uzuri took a step forward.
Elanna took a step backward. Her heart pounded. She heard escape from her lips, “Don’t hurt me!” It was almost as if someone else was speaking inside her. Fear had weakened her, and her knees nearly buckled under her weight.
Uzuri paused and lowered her head a bit. “Hon, I won’t hurt you. I’m your friend, remember?”
Elanna wanted to believe that. She wanted to trust her more than anything. For one awful moment, she wondered if this might be a trick to bring her back alive to justice. But Uzuri’s eyes were kind and sincere. There was pity and love in their hazel depths, enough to heal a world of hurts.
She crept toward her old huntmistress, trying to summon some dignity from her past. Her head was erect and her shoulders were square, though her heart was pounding like a hammer.
When she was but a length away, Elanna rushed the last couple of steps into a desperate nuzzle. She rubbed her face against Uzuri’s soft cheek. She took an ear between her lips and mouthed it lovingly, stroking it with the tip of her tongue. Then she rubbed full length down her warm, lithe body, feeling the familiar comfort and mixing the fragrance with her own. “Oh gods!” she murmured, tears filling her eyes. “Uzuri, I’ve been so alone!”
Her friend purred and gave her a gentle touch of her tongue. “Not any more, dear. Not any more."
Elanna thought about her sister Sarabi. Would she be as quick to forgive? Could she forgive the mate of her husband’s killer? She sighed deeply. "I can't come back. The others--they hate me. I just know it. They'll never let me stay." She started to cry, looking down at the ground. "Uzuri, I don't know what to do! I've been alone for the longest time. I can't stand it anymore! I tried to join Mabongo's pride but his wife is insanely jealous. She tried to kill me!"
"Oh honey tree!" Uzuri nuzzled her again.
“It was in the hunt. She said it was an accident, but I know better! I almost ended up like Avina!”
"Poor thing!” She stroked Elanna’s cheek with her paw. “You remember my sons Togo and Kombi, don't you?"
"Yes. How are they?"
"Well Kombi's a king and Togo's his Prince Consort." Uzuri smiled. "Their father died, but his death gave them a new life. Life is like the wind--if you don't like the way it's blowing, wait and it will change." She kissed Elanna's cheek. "They will be glad to take you in, my dear."
"Really?"
"Yes, and you could have a fresh start...." She frowned. "No! Your home is here, and you're going to come home where you belong."
"But they all hate me. They'll never forgive me for marrying Taka."
"I think they will. Don't you want to see your sister Sarabi again?"
"Oh gods, I'd give anything to see her. But it will never work!"
"I don't want you to give anything--just the effort to trust me and come back. Give it a try."
"But facing all of them alone...."
"You're not alone. I will be with you."
"Why are you so good to me?"
"Because I love you, and because I promised Taka that I would look after you the way you asked me to look after him."
Elanna had hoped against hope that the hyena had lied to her about Taka. She had to know the truth. She timidly asked, “How is he? What happened to him?"
"He died like a real lion. You would have been proud of him."
"You are good, Uzuri. So good to me. If it's the two of us, I will give it a try. It can't hurt."
"The three of us," Makaka said.
"The four of us," Rafiki said. Rafiki threw his arms around Elanna's strong neck. "First Simba came back from death. Now my Lannie. God has been generous."
Bravely, hopefully, the four friends headed for Pride Rock. According to Elanna’s wishes, Rafiki and Makaka combined their talents with Elanna’s experience to avoid the sentry patrols and find Sarabi before someone found them. Elanna did not want to be intercepted by an angry Isha who might rip her alive on the spot. If anyone must kill her, it must be her own sister. Maybe with Sarabi there was a chance for mercy.
Elanna ascended Pride Rock the same way she had left it--by stealth. She led her surprised friends up a difficult but well-concealed route that left old Rafiki huffing and puffing, but surprised even Uzuri in its ingenuity. The mistrustful hyenas had devoted a great deal of thought to the approach, and it probably aided many spies to eavesdrop on Taka.
It was the time when Sarabi should have been cub-setting in her usual spot. Rafiki looked around the entrance and spotted her resting in the cool shade. She glanced up at him. “Rafiki, come here old friend!”
“I’d like to, but I think you might want me to wait outside.”
She laughed. “What are you talking about, old monkey?”
“You’ll see.”
Elanna wanted to go right in, but she froze beside the mouth of the cave. She looked at Uzuri and shook her head “no.”
Uzuri half smiled and nodded “yes.”
Lannie tried taking a step, then looked around in a panic. She touched her chest with a paw, the silent hunting signal for retreat. Uzuri shook her head, nuzzled her reassuringly, and tapped her cheek wth a paw. The gesture said, “No!”
Lannie looked at the cave mouth, then looked back at Uzuri. She touched her chest with a paw again and started to walk away. “Oh gods,” she mouthed silently. “I’m scared!”
Uzuri drew close and whispered, “I know. We all are.”
Death had once seemed like release to Elanna, a sort of belated victory. She had contemplated joining her husband among the stars before, but she stood there terrified of dying.
There was no where to run. She was in the middle of the Pride Lands, and the only way out was through. She kissed Uzuri good bye and hoarsely began to whisper the prayer of the dying--in case she did not have the time to utter it in her moment of greatest need.
In a move that was not meant to be morbid, and was not taken morbidly, Rafiki made the sign of Aiheu, circling her eye and touching under her chin. He nodded. “It is time.”
Then she stepped into view....
“Who are you?” Sarabi asked. The bright light behind her made Elanna a silhouette against the azure sky. “Do I know you?”
Elanna had to step closer to Sarabi, and the effort made her tremble and gasp. Still there was no hint of recognition until one feeble word escaped her lips. “Sassie?”
Sarabi’s eyes grew wide and her ears drew back. “You’re dead! Oh my gods!”
“No, Sassie. It’s really me!”
The queen mother looked at her. Her chin trembled and her chest heaved. Tears began to run down her cheeks. “Lannie? I’m....”
“Sis, I want to come home! Oh gods, I want to come home!”
Sarabi rose from the ground and sprang up, wrapping her paws around Elanna’s neck and bearing her to the ground. Wracked with sobs, she pawed and nuzzled Elanna, covering her in warm kisses, feeling her fur, breathing her scent and listening to her heart beat. “Don’t you ever leave me again, girl!”
Lannie reached around Sassie’s strong neck and held her tightly. “I’ll never leave you! Never again! I love you, Sassie!”
“I love you too! I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. Oh Honey Tree, can you forgive me?”
“What do YOU think?” Elanna sniffed back tears. “The hyenas were taking me out to be killed when the battle started.”
“I know. Ten hyenas to one lioness. That’s what we heard.”
“I wanted to come back and help. Really I did, but I thought you didn’t....”
“Hsssh, Honey Tree. It was a bad dream. You’re awake now.”
“How about the Pride Sisters? How many died? How many of the cubs?”
“None and none. Aiheu was with us. Some of the hyenas were with us too. I was bitter and full of rage, but I was touched by a great light that day. Now you’re here and there is no darkness left.”
Makaka slipped his arms about Rafiki, and the old mandrill reached down and kissed his cheek. Tears filled Rafiki’s eyes. “All is as it should be.”
Some of the cubs came forward and looked at the two entwined in their tearful embrace. Sarabi stood up and wiped her face with a paw. “My sister Elanna’s here. You’ve never met her before.”
Sarabi proudly said, “The one in the middle is Tanabi. Simba’s boy. My grandson.”
“Your grandson?”
“And your nephew.” Sarabi smiled at Tanabi. “Come kiss your Aunt Lannie, Honey Tree. She could use it.”
Tanabi came forward and rubbed on Elanna who promptly pulled him close with a paw and began grooming him. “You’re a sweetie, yes you are!”
Lannie looked around at the other small faces and beckoned to the cubs, a smile of almost other-worldly beauty lighting her countenance. “Come here, you! Let’s have fun!” At once they mobbed her, pulling on her tail, kissing her face, and rubbing against her. Elanna wept again, hugging each of the unknown cubs and kissing them.
One asked, “Why are you crying?”
“I’m crying because I’m so happy a smile isn’t good enough!”
Another asked, “Can you tell me a story?”
Elanna affectionately swatted him with a paw. “I’ll certainly try.”
Uzuri poked her head in the cave. “Is everything OK in here?”
Elanna looked about. “Yes, Zuri. Everything is OK in here.”
THE END: TOUCH OF THE NISEI
LEGAL NOTE:
This original copyrighted work is based on Walt Disney's feature film, "The Lion King." Elements taken directly from “The Lion King” are the property of The Walt Disney Company. "Touch of the Nisei" is distributed free of charge excepting reasonable distribution costs. Quoting passages from our work, writing original pieces based on our work, or using characters we created is fine as long as you secure prior approval. That begins by sending one of us a copy of the work. Our e-mail addresses are:
David A. Morris: damorris@wilmington.net
Ian Layton: rama@pridelands.org
John H. Burkitt: john.burkitt@nashville.com
Your comments on our work, pro and con, are always welcome. We have been asked about our legal note. This is our official response: “The copyright is maintained solely to prevent patently vulgar or lewd misuse of our characters. Most any work, including parodies would be fine as long as it meets certain reasonably broad standards of decency. We reserve the right as copyright holders to define and change those standards. None of these standards is meant to force the applicant to be consistent with the literary style or plot of the original work.”
The character Isha is the property of Brian Tiemann. Used with permission.
This story is a fictional work, but we don’t claim that any resemblance to any characters living or dead is purely coincidental. With love and respect, we acknowledge the debt we owe to those who taught us how to laugh and cry. Without acting as clear models for any one character, many great souls, some non-human, have been woven deeply into the fabric of our lives only to end up in “Touch of the Nisei.”
David A. Morris: damorris@wilmington.net
Ian Layton: rama@pridelands.org
John H. Burkitt: john.burkitt@nashville.com
Your comments on our work, pro and con, are always welcome. We have been asked about our legal note. This is our official response: “The copyright is maintained solely to prevent patently vulgar or lewd misuse of our characters. Most any work, including parodies would be fine as long as it meets certain reasonably broad standards of decency. We reserve the right as copyright holders to define and change those standards. None of these standards is meant to force the applicant to be consistent with the literary style or plot of the original work.”
The character Isha is the property of Brian Tiemann. Used with permission.
This story is a fictional work, but we don’t claim that any resemblance to any characters living or dead is purely coincidental. With love and respect, we acknowledge the debt we owe to those who taught us how to laugh and cry. Without acting as clear models for any one character, many great souls, some non-human, have been woven deeply into the fabric of our lives only to end up in “Touch of the Nisei.”