let it go.

            The cubs ate in silence, but they were relieved that there was no tension. They exchanged glances then looked up at their father, seeing how relaxed he was. They had to wonder whether it was due to being home and with them or from Saada’s presence or both. Whatever it was, it made their father act differently and better. They loved seeing that. It made them feel better. Njozi looked down, sighing with peace. Her brothers nuzzled her affectionately.

            The pride ate their meals in a warm comforting silence, though many of the pride members talked.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

When night approached, the pride returned to the den to sleep but two figures remained outside. They stood beside the den, looking at each other in the darkness.

            “Baraka, I’m sorry for this but I needed to speak to you privately,” said Arif.

            “It’s all right, Arif. You’re my brother, my family. And I always make time for family. Are you sure your kids don’t mind?”

            “I told them I’d return. It was so strange. It’s almost as if they knew…”

            Baraka smiled. “I’m not surprised. Your cubs are smart… and special. I know you’re proud.”

            “I am. And Saada’s with them…” Arif smiled and from what Baraka could tell, it was a gladdened one.

            Baraka bowed his head. “Come on. Let’s talk in the grasses. We don’t want to disturb Etana.” He turned to where the lioness was sleeping. Again, he watched her, partly amazed at how she was able to sleep so soundly and still feel their presence in the earth. The other… The King shook his head vigorously. It’s impossible, right? How is it that I… A shake broke him out of his revere and he blinked his eyes and shook his head again. He turned again, facing Arif, whose own face was concerned.

            “You alright?” the Prince asked.

            “Yeah, yeah… I’m, I’m alright. Let’s go.”

            The two brothers walked down the stone steps.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

“Arif, what’s going on?” Baraka said as they stopped in the middle of the savannah.

            Arif turned from his brother. Then, he spoke. “Brother… I want to apologize for my behavior a few days ago. It was wrong.”

            Baraka was silent. “Arif, it… it’s alright. I know you and Akase didn’t-”

            “It’s my fault,” Arif whispered in the darkness. “I’m a terrible mate and father. I should spend more time with my own family.”

            “You are not a terrible father or mate. Those cubs love you. I think Njozi worships you. She respects you. Your sons admire you. You know as well as anyone else that they understand that you have to work. They accept that. You do make time for them, as much time as you can.”

            “Tell Akase that,” Arif huffed. “She thinks I’m the worst father ever!” He bit his lip and smirked aloud. “You know, you’re right. The cubs do love me. You know they even said today when Saada brought them to the Tree of Life, that they didn’t mind me working? That they understood I had to?” He smiled. “Am I lucky or what?”

            Baraka smiled. “I’d say you are. You have good cubs and I’m proud to be their uncle.”

            “I don’t know if I’m going to be able to fix things with Akase. She’s so angry at me. Maybe I should give up shamanism altogether and spend more time with the cubs…”

            “No!” Baraka said firmly. It caused Arif to turn around. Baraka stepped up. “Arif… you’re a shaman. It’s all you’ve ever wanted to be from the time we were cubs. It’s your calling. If you give up now who will succeed Rafiki when he joins the stars? There’s no one else in the pride, only you. And what about this message you’ve been carrying? It’s obvious no one else can carry its weight but you. If you give up shamanism you’ll regret it. You’ll miss it.”

            Arif’s head felt heavy and it took so much strength for him to nod. His brother was right. Being a shaman was a part of him, something that defined him. “You’re right, Baraka,” Arif said softly. “But… what if Akase returns and sees me and then asks me to quit…”

            Baraka placed a comforting paw on Arif’s shoulder. “Then be up front and honest with her. You’re a shaman, it’s who you are.” He gave a sad smile. “Grandfather told us in times of hardship, we must remember who we are so that we never forget where we came from and who came before us.” He stared Arif in the eyes. “Brother, who are you?”

            Arif found himself trembling. His jaw quivered while his mind was in a whirl. He turned from Baraka and walked away. He sat in the grass and looked at the stars. He remembered the times when he and Baraka were cubs. How different things were then! Everything had been so peaceful and now… Arif bowed his head. Now things were a mess and he wanted to fix them. He wanted to repair the damage of his marriage. He wanted to show Akase that he was a good mate and father. He shut his eyes and forced his mind to remember a time when life was peaceful.

            But there were so many…

            Finally, one special memory came to mind…

“I hear you’re going to become a shaman, my Prince…”

            Arif turned to see Saada coming toward him with a smile. He smiled back. “You heard correct, my lady.”

            Saada made a face. “My lady…? Arif, I’m not royalty, you know that.”

            “I’m being polite.”

            “I know, I know. You’re always polite.” The lioness sat down beside him. “You’ll make a great shaman, Arif. What do your parents say?”

            “Thank you. And my parents are happy and proud. I thought Baraka was gonna tackle me. He didn’t expect it and now he thinks I’m gonna go crazy and talk to the spirits in the open and in my sleep.” Arif shook his head. “But he knew something like this would happen sooner or later. It was only a matter of time.”

            Saada chuckled. “Yes, but this means you’ve found your place in the pride and since Baraka will be our next king he won’t have to travel to the Tree of Life for spiritual advice.” She paused. “Arif, will you be living in the Tree from now on? Isn’t that where all shamans live?”

            The lion nodded. “Yeah, but I don’t think I could. Pride Rock is the only home I’ve ever known. Rafiki says it’s up to me in the end but he doesn’t want to see the place he’s lived in for so long abandoned, you know?” He sighed. “I may move there but I’m not sure.”

            She nuzzled him gently. “You have time to decide though, right?”

            He looked at her, his eyes shining. “Yeah, I do and it’s okay. If I do move to the Tree of Life, I want to spend as much time here at the Rock as I can and with those I care about.”

            “Even me?”

            His eyes grew serious. “Especially you, Saada…” He nuzzled her affectionately, feeling his heart