extra help.” She smiled and sat back down.

            “Anyone else,” Baraka asked.

            The rest of the pride nodded their heads, some calling out, ‘Let them stay’

            ‘No one should have to live a rogues’ life with no one to look out for them’

            ‘They seem like good lions, let them stay’

            Baraka smiled. The entire pride was in agreement.

            “I object!” rang a voice. The pride turned, some cringing. Kadiri and Dailia growled, causing their cubs to move towards Mabaki who looked down at them, smiling warmly. But the white lion knew who it was. They all did.

            Baraka stepped forward a bit. He was half surprised. He stared at the lioness. “Why, Hasira?” he asked.

            The lioness rose and stalked toward to the front, her tail swishing back and forth behind her. “Sire, surely we do need another lion to help Kadiri and the others but do we really need a lioness that is… impaired? She cannot see!”

            At these words, Takata growled but Etana placed a paw on his. She smiled at him and he grew calm. He did not like it when someone insulted her for her blindness.

            “Your majesty,” Etana said, turning towards Baraka. “If I may…?” The king looked at her, as if sensing what she wanted. He nodded and she stepped forward, her paws firmly on the ground. She breathed softly and a few minutes later she, to even Hasira’s surprise, was facing her. “Yes, I cannot see, but that does not mean I am impaired or incapable of living a normal life. The only thing I cannot do is hunt. Other than that I am in good health. I promise you all that I will not be a burden.” The last sentence she addressed to the pride.

            The entire pride spoke quietly and a few lionesses turned to Hasira, their faces disappointed. “You were saying, Hasira?” one asked.

            “Why don’t you mind your own business for once?” asked another.

            “Yeah, nobody made you judge. That’s up to the king and his decision stands. Respect it. The rest of us have!”

            Hasira huffed in their faces and she gave Etana a cold glare and then turned walking into the den.

            Everyone was silent until Baraka tore a large piece of the dead gazelle and laid it in front of the new members. The whole of the pride ate their shares in a comforting silence and after it was over, each lion, lioness and cub introduced themselves to their new pride brother and pride sister.

            Takata gave his daughter a gentle nuzzle. They knew they would settle in just fine.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

The night air was cool, much to the relief of the night grazing animals. Pride Rock, however, was completely silent. A lone figure stood on the promontory with tired eyes but he was unable to sleep.

            “Having trouble sleeping your highness?” said a voice.

            Baraka turned. He watched as Etana walked up, sitting down beside him. He nodded. “Yes, I am. And you?”

            “A little bit too. It’ll take me a while getting used to being in a pride again. I… I haven’t been in one since I was a cub.”

            “You and your father were part of a pride before?”

            “At one time,” she whispered. “But… something went wrong.”

            Baraka nodded. He did not ask anymore. It was none of his business. “Well… rest assured, neither you nor your father will be treated in any ill manner here. I won’t allow it.”

            Etana nodded as well. “Thank you, sire…”

            “You’re welcome.”

            She flexed her paws and concentrated. She could hear his breathing but unlike before, when he introduced her and Takata to the pride, it was different. It seemed almost afraid, but of what she did not know.

            “How bad was your sleep?” she asked after a silent moment.

            “Bad enough that I had to come out here for some air… Why?”

            “Just wondering, sire, that’s all. Forgive me.”

            He smiled. “There’s nothing to forgive. I just…” He trailed off and sighed.

            “I hope you sleep better,” she offered.

            “As do I…” He turned to her, watching as she stared ahead. He wondered it was like, not being able to see then he shook his head quickly, pushing the wondering thought from his mind. He had no idea what she probably had to deal with day in and day out, not being able to look at the world around her. But he saw that she didn’t seem to mind. He paused before speaking again. He let out a breath.

            “What is it, sire?” Etana asked, hearing that the breath was a deep and pained sigh.

            “I am sorry for what Hasira said to you. She has a… rather rude mouth on her.”

            “I’ve heard worse words, sire and have been called worse things. I’m used to it.”

            Baraka shook his head. “No,” he said softly, pawing the ground. He turned to her and she allowed herself to face him. He stared at her. “You shouldn’t have to deal with that. I will not tolerate cruelty amongst any members of my pride. If she so much as bothers you or raises a paw against you, I will handle it.”

            His sudden will to keep her safe from any wrongful pride members surprised her but she already knew what he was like when it came to the affairs of the pride. “Well… thanks but I assure you I can take care of myself.”

            “Well, be that as it may, I don’t want to see you mistreated or hurt.”

            “You are kind, sire.”

            Baraka smiled. “I try to be.”

            Etana laughed quietly.

            They were quiet for a while. Baraka looked at the stars while the lioness beside him remained silent. Finally, the king yawned. “Well, it seems I have gotten enough of this cool air. I should return to the den.” Etana turned to him, nodding.

            Baraka lifted himself up and started walking down to the den. Etana had also risen and was following him with no problems. He smiled. “Takata must’ve trained her well,” he thought.

            When they reached the entrance of the cave, Etana turned to the left, finding a place to lie down. Baraka knew why. She never slept in crowded places; it was almost suffocating to her. Before he entered, he stopped and looked at her, making sure she was alright.

            “Etana,” he said. She raised her head. “Sleep well.”

            She smiled. “Thank you, your highness. And you do the same.”

            “Please, call me Baraka. You don’t have to be so formal.”

            “Very well,