gently. She didn’t reply but Kadiri expected that. He continued. “You’re one of the best friends I could’ve asked for. And I’m thankful everyday that we’ve known each other for as long as we have.” He paused, unsure of how to say his next words. “And yet, lately, especially now, I find myself hoping to one day be more than your friend… but I don’t want to unless you feel the same. That’s okay. I… I just want to let you know that…” He paused again, hoping that the words would come without trouble.

            “What is it, Kadiri,” the lioness asked, her eyes still closed.

            There was a small silence in the quietness of the cave and Kadiri felt his heart beat again. He swallowed. “I love you, whether we’re friends for the rest of our lives or more than that.” He stopped not expecting a response. She was tired and so was he. The lion yawned and put his head down on his paws but as he fell asleep, he heard her speak.

            “I love you too, Kadiri.”

            Kadiri smiled and felt her snuggle up to him. He moved his head closer to hers and drifted off to sleep again.

Kadiri woke. He lifted his head and looked around. He was still in the grass on the western side of the Pridelands and it was still night. He remembered the memory and smiled. That day, his life had changed for the better. He had been happy then. Declaring Dailia his life partner was something he never regretted. Knowing that they were parents was something he wouldn’t change for the world. He loved their children. He saw so much of himself and his mate in them. They were blessings.

            Serving under their best friend and king was an honor. They would serve Baraka until they took their last breaths.

            Kadiri got up, feeling better than before. He looked up at the stars. “Please, allow her to stay,” he whispered.

            With a tired sigh and a newfound strength, he ran for home.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

At mid-moon Baraka walked past the lower caves of Pride Rock. He did not want to be around the pride though his sleep in the grass had helped him a little with his anger. Much of it now, was gone. He was thankful. He hated to get angry, but Hasira had pushed him. She did it on purpose and he would deal with her later.

            He walked up the stairs of Pride Rock and upon reaching the den he collapsed. He looked inside but did not go in. He remembered what Etana had asked of him and he would respect her privacy to help Dailia. He wondered if everything was okay and refused to give in to his curiosity. He sighed and looked around. Pride Rock was nearly deserted and the air was still.

            Baraka looked up at the sky, watching the stars. He knew that the Great Kings and Queens of the Past were looking down on him and his pride.

            “I hope I’ve made you somewhat proud,” he whispered. When he said this, his eyes started to drop. He yawned and stretched himself out. He would guard the den tonight. It was his duty, or so he felt.

            A moment or two later, he fell asleep but as he drifted, his mind and body felt relaxed and comforted. He smiled as he slept as if some invisible presence was there, lying beside him.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Dawn slowly came across the Pridelands with a low mist that settled itself upon the lands. The sky was still blue but the colors started to change. Some animals were up and walking leisurely through the lands, eating grass and drinking water.

            The pride of lions was still asleep. No one left the lower cave. The cubs were still snuggled up to their parents. Kovu and Kiara rested in the far back. Outside, Takata was still underneath the promontory in deep slumber. It was as good a place as any. But on Pride Rock, the King of the Pridelands was still beside the den, still in a comforting sleep. He hadn’t moved or twitched in his sleep all night.

            Inside the den, in the king’s chambers were the two lionesses. Neither had moved since the previous day, but finally today, one of them did. The lioness slowly opened her eyes, the redness back to its true light color. Before, the color had been pale. She blinked a few times, trying to capture where she was. A confused look came to her face. Where was she? This wasn’t the den. This cave was a little smaller, just big enough to hold two lions, or a lion and or a lioness and maybe two or three cubs.

            Very slowly the lioness looked to the left then to the right. She did a double take as she beheld her right side. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing or who she was seeing. Resting beside her, looking as if it was barely breathing was another lioness.

            “Etana,” she whispered.

            The other lioness slowly woke but did not open her eyes or move her head. Only her mouth moved. “Morning, Dailia, how do you feel?” she asked in a weak voice.

            Dailia was even more confused. Then, in that moment, she realized that her head no longer hurt. She put a paw to the side of her head. There was no pain, no burning sensation. Dailia looked down at Etana.

            She couldn’t believe it. She was healed.

Chapter 6: Their Recoveries

Dailia just stared at the blind lioness, her eyes wide.

            “Dailia,” Etana said in the same weak voice, “you’re not dreaming. You’re healed now. How do you feel?”

            Dailia opened and closed her mouth a few times then managed to speak. “I… feel fine. Thank you…”

            Etana smiled faintly. “No thanks needed. I’d have done the same for anyone, even your sister…”

            At this Dailia was silent. After everything Hasira had said Etana would still help if she ever got sick or hurt? Dailia growled softly. Hasira was her sister but in her eyes, she was unworthy to be healed by Etana’s gift. Dailia looked at Etana again only to see that she had passed out. Dailia felt a chill. She couldn’t call for help as she had a feeling that Baraka ordered everyone to stay out of the den until she was well.

            Whatever Etana did and however she did it, it saved her life and now this same lioness needed help. Dailia thought for a moment and it amazed her how easily thinking came. The heavy fog that had been her fever had split her mind. In the midst of thinking, Dailia wondered if she could move, to show the pride that she was alright and get help for Etana.

            “Only one way to find out,” she thought.

            She flexed her paws and noticed that her and Etana’s fur was touching. Her ears lowered and a question came. Would separating herself from Etana cause harm? It was a risk, but one that needed to be taken. She slowly moved away. There was no sound or movement from Etana. When their bodies were no longer in contact, Dailia focused on standing, telling herself to take her time. She wasn’t sure how long she had been lying there.

            Dailia shifted her right forepaw, planting it firmly on the ground. She did the same with her left forepaw, and with a grunt she lifted herself up off the ground. She staggered a bit until she was up on all fours then turned to check herself. Aside from her coat being dusty she was alright. She lowered her head to Etana. “I don’t know what you did, but I am very grateful,” she whispered. “You helped me and now I will help you.”

            She faced the direction of the chamber’s opening and walked out. As she stepped into the main den, her body did not hurt. She felt she had been in pain for days and now there was nothing, not even the slightest wince, twitch or stab. She looked around, never before seeing the den so empty.

            “Two prides could fit in here,” she mumbled.

            When Dailia approached the entrance she