kids, it’s getting dark. We should go inside” called Tama, waiting by the entrance to the den. We dawdled over to where she was standing and moved past her, and into the cave. Tama waited until we were inside before following.

I settled down between my mother and father, already stretched out on the floor of the den. Their warm bodies contrasted with the coolness of the ground. Sambi was eager to sleep with his mother, but remembering the look on his father’s face, he hesitated, before choosing a vacant spot in the corner. He lay there, shivering, by himself. I swear I saw a tear rolling down his cheek before he turned his back to me and ceased to move, bar the slow, rhythmic movement of his breathing. I too wriggled into a comfortable position before falling into a peaceful sleep.
 

“Maua. Maua, wake up. It’s time to get ready for the ceremony” my father said as he nudged me awake with his nose. We hadn’t been sleeping for too long, but it had been long enough for the sun to be setting below the horizon. I stretched my limbs and yawned. Tojo was carrying Zawadi out of the cave. My mother, Tama and Nala were already down at the river, where I was presented after my birth. I drowsily walked over to where Sambi was still curled up in the corner, nudging him with my paw. His eyelids fluttered open.

“Wha...?” He managed to say before a yawn erupted from his jaws.

“We have to go to Zawadi’s presentation” I explained, before realising Sambi had fallen asleep again.

“Sambi!” I yelled in his ear. He sprung up, eyes wide.

“Alright, I’m up, I’m up” he said whilst stretching, his rear in the air, and forelegs stretched out in front of him. I turned to see my father, Tojo and Simba leaving the cave with Zawadi, headed for the river.

“Come on you two, we have to go” Simba said to us. I eagerly followed the group as we stepped out of the den, the sky a pinkish-purple hue and the sun a golden orange. It cast a golden glow on the surrounding figures as it sunk nearer to the horizon.

The journey to the river was short, with the adults leading in front and me and Sambi following behind. I was excited about the presentation, but I could tell all Sambi wanted to do was sleep, his tired eyes fighting to stay open, a battle that they were losing, and Sambi nearly fell over on multiple occasions after closing his eyes and accidentally falling asleep. I had to keep him talking so his mind had something to focus on.

Soon we arrived at the river, and the sun had completely disappeared. The stars were beginning to shine, and the moon was now visible, glowing in the dark sky. Malka was chosen to present Zawadi to the crowd and to dip him in the water of the river, which cast a white reflection of the moon. Malka wasn’t there, and he didn’t show up.

“Malka isn’t going to come. We have to do the ceremony with someone else” my mother said after we waited about ten more minutes.

“Well, who do we choose?” Tojo asked Tama, who was now holding a sleepy Zawadi.

After much thought, Tama spoke up.

“I think Simba should do it” she replied.

“What? Me? But I-I don’t know how!” Simba responded, surprised and wide eyed.

“Don’t worry, I can help. It’s easy” Nala said calmly. Simba was unsure, but trusted his mate fully. The pair stepped forward to the edge of the river. Tama gave Zawadi to Simba, who held the cub delicately. Simba stepped into the river.

“Now, repeat after me: I promise, in the name of the great kings, the stars in the sky, and the great lion in the moon” said Nala, guiding Simba through the actions of the ceremony.

Simba repeated her words: “I promise, in the name of the great kings, the stars in the sky, and the great lion in the moon”

“I shall guide this cub through life, alongside his parents and family” Nala recited.

Simba once more repeated Nala’s words.

“Even in death, until the end of his life” she finished.

Simba finally spoke the final words of the speech.

“Even in death, until the end of his life”

“Now, you have to carefully dip him into the water” Nala instructed from the bank.

Simba did what he was told, and carefully dipped little Zawadi into the river. He squirmed as the cool water came into contact with his skin, making him shiver. Simba was worried, would something go wrong? Would he drop Zawadi? Would Zawadi get too cold and get sick?

“Okay, now you need to lift him out” coached Nala.

Simba lifted Zawadi out of the river and carefully placed him on the bank. Zawadi shook the water from his fur, making it stand up, giving him a fluffy look. I laughed, he looked so silly! Tama bent down and nuzzled Zawadi and Nala did the same to Simba.

“I’m so proud Simba. You did so well” Nala said with pride.

“But, how did you know how to do it?” asked Simba, looking at her, confused.

“I know from Sambi’s presentation” she explained, which reminded me that he was standing right next to me. Except he wasn’t standing anymore. He was on the ground, sleeping in the dirt. I smiled. It was so much like Sambi to just fall asleep wherever.

“We should get back to the den, before someone else falls asleep” remarked my mother, lifting me up by the skin on my neck. Nala did the same with Sambi, who didn’t wake when she did so, grabbing him by the waist instead because of his size. He was large and heavy, as he was half grown, but Nala didn’t care, nor did she show any signs of struggle or weakness the entire journey back.

In the den, I resumed my position next to my parents, Tojo and Tama had Zawadi curled up beside them and Simba and Nala slept with Sambi. Malka didn’t return.
 

The next morning I awoke before anyone else. I nudged Sambi’s side in an attempt to wake him, but he rolled away and continued to sleep. I didn’t want to awake Zawadi, and the adults weren’t going to provide much entertainment, so I ventured out of the den alone.

The hot sun baked the rock, and my paws burned and ached with pain when in contact with it. There was hardly any life that morning. A few birds chirped in the trees in the distance, but other than that, silence filled the Riverlands.

I gradually made my way towards the river, to be cooled down by the calm water, still and unmoving. The hot air was humid and uncomfortable, so a swim would definitely be the best option this morning. Once I arrived, my feet were burned and sore from the hot, dry ground. I was a few steps from the edge of the bank, so I ran as fast as I could and plunged into the cool water. It splashed onto the bank, creating a slippery, muddy surface. It felt so good, I could stay there forever.

I had been swimming for a long time, creating ripples that continued for a while before finally fading into the calm water. A voice behind me startled me and I fell, splashing more water out of the river.

“Hey, watch it!” said the voice. It was a female, and it sounded old and tired. Looked behind me to see a gold and black bat eared fox, looking at me half annoyed.

“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to-“

“Hey, it’s okay! I’m the one who should be sorry, it wasn’t your fault” she said apologetically.

“So, what’s your name little one?” she asked me, smiling curiously.

“I’m Maua, uh daughter of Kula and Chumvi” I replied, thinking of the best way to introduce myself.

“Ahh, Kula and Chumvi. I remember when they were cubs. So playful and always eager to learn. Oh, how rude of me! I forgot to properly introduce myself. I’m Bhati, daughter of don’t know and don’t care. Never knew my parents” she said, grinning.

“You knew my parents?” I asked inquisitively. How did she know them?

“We were friends. I used to look after most of the cubs in the Pridelands” she replied.

“Those were the days…” She trailed off into thought, a smile on her pointed face for a few moments. She realised she had been distracted and quickly turned her attention back to me. “So, are you lost? Or are you just out playing?” she asked me, a kind smile spreading across her maw as she lowered her head ever so slightly down to my general height.

“I was bored, and no one was awake. So I came out here” I explained to her, still a little shy.

“Well darling, shouldn’t you be getting home then? What if they wake and find you gone?” she told me in a sweet voice. She was obviously used to being around young cubs, and seemed very motherly. I wondered if she had any pups of her own.

I timidly nodded in agreement, and we started on our way back to the den. She wouldn’t let me go alone, in case of danger. My fur had dried quickly, and I was getting hot again. Bhati watched as I panted, breathing heavily. My mouth was dry and uncomfortable. Bhati stopped, gesturing for me to take a last drink before we completely left the river. The cool liquid ran down my throat, quenching my thirst. I lifted my wet lips from the water

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