“Etana,” he said gently, “if you do its okay.”

            That was the problem! He was okay with everything and never objected. It all seemed too… perfect. Was there a catch?

            “Baraka, I hope this doesn’t–”

            “Nothing has changed. Even if you were born a rogue I’d still care about you.”

            “You would?”

            He pulled away with resistance and hesitation. He stared into her sightless eyes, sorrow filling his body. Thoughtfully, he wondered what color her eyes would’ve been, but instead, he merely smiled saying, “Yes, I would,” and gave her a gentle nuzzle.

            Etana accepted his nuzzle and half realizing it, she buried the side of her head in his mane. “Thank you, Baraka.”

            “You’re welcome.”

            They were quiet again, each basking in the comfort. There was a soft breeze.

            Etana’s heart pounded softly. Baraka certainly was unlike any lion she had ever known. She trusted him, found herself enjoying his company, and was always ready to help him and those he knew and cared about. Why? She liked him, that was true, but was there more or was it there and she hadn’t realized it?

            “Baraka… there is one more thing. How I met Takata…”

            He closed his eyes. “All right…”

            “I don’t remember much.”

            “It doesn’t matter.” The only thing he wanted was for her to remember as best she could…

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Adila and Jelani knew the time was near. Three weeks after the meeting, the queen and her son talked and had a plan. Adila would take Etana in the early hours of the morning while her mate and everyone else still slept. That day was now. The queen watched as Jelani said soft goodbyes to his only sister.

            “Mom is doing this for your own good, Etana. I just want you to be happy and fulfilled. May the ancestors bless you and protect you.” The gray colored prince licked his sleeping sister gently on the forehead and looked up at his mother, tears in his eyes. “Be careful, mom…”

            Adila nuzzled him. “I will be dear, and if your father asks –”

            “You needed to take a walk and didn’t want to leave Etana.”

            She picked up the sleeping female, gave Jelani a wink and left the cavern.

            The young prince bowed his head and prayed silently, praying that the right thing was done.

            Adila ran swiftly and she was amazed her daughter didn’t wake due to the leaps and sharp turns. “You’re a heavy sleeper,” she thought to herself.

            Looking around with her eyes, she saw that she was on the northern side of the kingdom, a greener area. The border was straight ahead. The moment she stepped across it, she would be out of the North Mountains. Her body was tense, but she continued. It was strange being out of her home but there was no turning back. She walked on, her eyes darting in all directions, searching for any wandering lions and lionesses.

            Her throat was dry, her body tired, but she pressed on. Finally, up ahead, she saw a good sized pool of water. With a muffled sigh, she walked to it, set her still sleeping daughter down at her left forepaw and drank deeply.

            “Excuse me, miss,” said a bass voice.

            Adila turned and with her chin dripping water, she growled. The lion stepped back. She looked into his eyes. They were red but did not look dangerous. She looked at his face. His white muzzle, and white colored mane, black body and gentle red eyes indicated that he would not cause harm. He seemed friendly, but looks could deceive.

            “What do you want?” she asked with a snarl.

            “I’m just wondering what a lioness like yourself is doing out here with a sleeping cub.”

            She lowered her defenses but only just.

            “I mean you or your child no harm. I promise.” The lion backed away and lied down. “If you wish, you can tell me what brings you here. If not, that is alright, too.”

            The words of the stranger were unlike anything she had ever heard. Though she was still uncertain, her eyes met his as she lied in the grass. With an outstretched foreleg, her paw wrapped around the small body of her only daughter, Adila moved the cub to her.

            “What is your name?” she asked.

            The lion smiled gently. “My name is Takata, ma’am.” He dipped his head.

            “’Pure’ or ‘clean’,” Adila whispered, and then she spoke normally, looking up at him. “My name is Adila. I’m Queen of the North Mountains.”

            Takata bowed his head deeply. “My lady, it is an honor. And this is your child… a daughter, am I right?”

            “Yes, this is Etana, Princess of the North Mountains, first born.”

            He smiled. “The heiress…”

            “Not anymore.”

            “What? Ma’am, if she was firstborn –”

            “You seem like a good listener, Takata. May I tell you something?”

            “You may, my lady.”

            His politeness and manners astounded her. He was more kind than some of the guardians. Adila took a deep breath and spoke. She told him of the last king, of her childhood, of her mate’s rise to power, and the birth of her cubs. Talking about Etana and her non-existent relationship with the king was the most trying. She stopped in some places, tears blurring her vision.

            “It’s okay Adila, we have time. I’m not leaving.”

            And she continued, explaining why she was there, speaking her fear and desperation to give her daughter a better life.

            He was quiet, taking it all in. Adila was also quiet, tears falling down her cheeks as she beheld her cub.

            “I’ll take care of her for you,” said the black lion, his red eyes welcoming and serious. “She needs someone good and decent to care for her. I’m that lion, and I have experience.”

            “Are you sure?”

            Takata smiled lovingly. “She will be safe in my care. I will teach her what I know. I had a friend who was born blind too.”

            Adila stood and walked to the lion. She licked him on the cheek. Her tears anointed him. “Thank you.” She sobbed quietly. “Thank you, Takata.”

            He nuzzled her gently. “You’re most welcome, Adila. I will protect her with my life.” He watched her go to the cub that would soon be his adopted daughter. He lowered his head and ears.

            “Etana,” Adila began, whispering in her daughter’s ears.