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Post by --` Kovu on Jul 6, 2009 20:26:36 GMT -5
Kovu [/size][/color] The sun rose over the jungle, and its rays ran its way down PrideRock. The den was open, so they peaked onto Kovu's closed eyes. It started him, after the dream he had. The dream was just about Valerius, like it always was. Why? Because he just dreamt of Valerius hurting Kiara, and he could not take that. Slowly, his eyes opened, and his emerald eyes sparkled in the sunlight. His head was on his front paws, and his tail curled around his hind paws. This was the most comfortable sleeping position he could ever get in. After looking over at Kiara, watching her sleep for a few moments, he decided to get it, even if it was still early.
Slowly, one paw after another, he got up and shook his dark mane loosely. The tail of his flicked, and he peered around again in his den. He still couldn't believe he was King. Some part of him told him he didn't deserve it, but he remained calm. His light hues landed upon Riora, and next to her, Valerius. Those orbs stayed on Valerius for a bit, watching him turn around, and then he looked out towards the sun.
"Everything the light touches in yours, Kovu. I trust in you to take care of what is yours." Kovu thought of what Simba said to him. He smiled to himself, and slowly, steadily, he stepped out into the sun.
When he first stepped out, he had to quickly close his eyes because of the blaring, hot sun. Then, he opened them. He saw everything that the light touched, and he felt proud. Determination ran through him, like his own blood. From where he, Simba, Nala and his queen Kiara roared to the animals below, he sat down. His tail flicked over and curled against his body. Those orbs scanned everything, and even landed on the Outlands. This didn't give him a chill, but more of relief. After peering at the Outlands for a few moments, he remained sitting and let the warmth of the sun skim through his fur and mane.[/color][/size]
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Post by Valerius on Jul 6, 2009 20:49:02 GMT -5
Valerius As the bright morning sun hit Valerius's closed eyes, he awoke. He had been lying in a corner on a large stone, in a rather uncomfortable looking sleeping position. Dark rings were under his eyes, showing evidence of his poor sleep. Every half an hour or so, he woke up, paced for half an hour keeping watch over everything, and then fell back asleep in a new, and probably more uncomfortable spot then the one before; that was his nightly ritual. He always did it, even though it caused many of the lionesses to grow angry at him. Although he was rather graceful, he did occasionally wake a few.
He peered out of the cave at his father, Kovu. "Well, not quite my father..." he thought, and shivered. He shook his head and padded slowly out of the cave, looking at what Kovu was staring at. The Pridelands.
"Everything the light touches will one day be yours, Riora. I trust in you to take care of what will be yours."[/color] He remembered Kovu telling his sister that. The fur on the back of his neck bristled involuntarily, but he forced himself to calm down. He sat down next to Kovu, and looked up at him. He seemed mammoth beside Valerius's lithe figure. He smiled up at Kovu and said, quietly to avoid waking the lionesses, " Hello, father."[/size]
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Post by --` Kovu on Jul 6, 2009 20:56:55 GMT -5
Kovu [/color][/center] He heard some rustling in the den, but he figured it would be the lionesses just turning over. Or maybe his Kiara or Riora. Maybe even Valerius. This didn't bother him, not in the least bit. He didn't mind company, but it's way too early for any lion or lioness to be up. It even surprised him that he's up this early himself.
However, he heard slight pawsteps coming out of the den. He didn't move, as he was transfixed by the horizon and all of the Pridelands. Thoughts of how it was before raced through his mind, and how his mother didn't even try to accept such... a beautiful thing, these Pridelands. He was a proud Pridelander, but also, deep inside, a proud Outsider.
He was a little surprised as he heard Valerius' voice, as peered down at him. He looked like a little ant, and Kovu chuckled at this.
"Hello, Valerius. Why are you up so early?[/color][/size]
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Post by Valerius on Jul 6, 2009 21:15:27 GMT -5
Valerius Valerius heard Kovu's soft chuckle, and countless thoughts rushed through his head at once. "He thinks I'm tiny. He doesn't respect me at all, and he will never teach me. All because I'm not his real son."[/color] He shook the thoughts out of his head. He knew he should be grateful to even be allowed to live at Priderock, to be taken in by a king. He would have died with Kovu. "I should be dead..."[/color] he thought, flinching slightly. "I...had trouble sleeping," he replied to Kovu quickly, trying not to show his thoughts, his hesitation, his worry. "Where I was sleeping, the sun went right into my eye as it rose." He knew that was his own fault. No matter how hard he tried, he was always unable to just stay put at night without worrying. He just decided to accept that he'd probably never get a truly good night's sleep, and add it to his list of quirks. [/size]
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Post by --` Kovu on Jul 7, 2009 11:43:19 GMT -5
Kovu [/color][/center] Valerius looked a bit... different this morning, Kovu noted. He has never seen him like this, well, he could barely spend time with him because of his King-like duties. Help the zebras with this, get elephants to the water-hole, etc. Sighing to himself, he realized he should spend more time with him, and now is the chance to do it before his little Riora wakes up.
Kovu peered down at him, and smiled to himself. Valerius couldn't sleep? Is this a nightly thing? Kovu didn't know, but if it was, he'd find out. All he had to do was ask a couple of lionesses, but he felt like he was getting into his privacy. So, even though he talks big, he wouldn't do it.
"Hm, well, I woke up like that too... Isn't it great out here, Valerius? Smiling, he peered at his kingdom again, and an idea slowly made its way into his mind.
"How about we go for a hunt, hm? I'll teach you everything I know," while chuckling, he stood up on all four paws and slowly paw-stepped to the rocks that lead down below. With his right paw raised, he turned his head, and waited for his adopted son to follow.[/color]
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Post by Valerius on Jul 7, 2009 15:28:24 GMT -5
Valerius Valerius stared out over the Pridelands. They were beautiful. The watering holes, the rivers, the fields, the gorgeous jungle...even the outlands had a certain..appeal to them.
"This whole land...everything here..it's so amazing that we get to live here."
Valerius grinned, excited at the prospect of actually getting to spend time with Kovu, getting to learn. This canceled out his unhappy thoughts from before, and he hoped that Kovu was for-real, that this wouldn't be a one time thing.
As he thought that, other thoughts popped into his mind. What if this was just going to be another let-down. What if Kovu wasn't going to be that great to be with? What if he had to go off on some kingly duty, leaving him alone?
"No...he won't do that. He can't do that...he seems sincere..." he thought.
Valerius smiled at Kovu and ran after him. He couldn't wait to go on his first hunt.
"Thanks, Kovu!"
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Post by >> Kiara << on Jul 7, 2009 16:39:50 GMT -5
She slowly stirred as voices caught her ears. Opening her red-orange eyes ever so slightly, she noticed Kovu had stirred and eventually left the den. This startled her slightly as she squinted around the cave that was their den. Was he okay? Did something happen? Worry began to cloud her heart as she stood and stretched a not so fulfilling stretch. Flicking her tail ever so slightly, she padded forward, having not spotted him inside the den.
Her father and mother had recently passed and she was still getting over this. Her eyes welled up slightly each time as she thought of the times they had spent together and how much she missed them and all the things she wanted to be able to do and say before they passed. Sadness enveloped her heart as she shook her head and returned to the reality that had taken over her life. Right now, she needed to find Kovu.
Running to the edge of the den with lithe speed and grace, her pawsteps making hardly a sound, she gasped slightly when the sunlight flooded her eyes. Blinded for a moment, she stood in place, allowing her sight to adjust to the world around her. She was Queen... still something she was trying her hardest to get used to. She was a leader of all the Pridelands and someone all of the other creatures looked up to. She had so many more responsibilities now and it was all so overwhelming, especially considering the circumstances.
She looked around, having realized she got distracted by these thoughts once more, and tried to find Kovu. Her heart relaxed and slowed its pace when she saw him with her adopted son. A kind smile grew on her face and her eyes sparkled for love for the two males who were predominantly important in her life.
"Kovu, Valerius. What are you two doing up so early? I heard voices and wasn't quite sure what was going on." [/b] She slowly padded toward them, her smile never wavering and the love in her eyes never faltering. Upon reaching Valerius, she nudged him playfully and gave him a loving lick, before turning her eyes to Kovu, her soulmate. She nuzzled his dark mane lovingly and licked him lightly on the cheek. After her brief greeting to them, she took a pawstep backward and sat, waiting for either of them to reply to her question.[/blockquote]
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Post by --` Kovu on Jul 7, 2009 16:48:33 GMT -5
Kovu [/size][/color] He laughed as he saw his little son Valerius get suddenly happy at the thought of him taking him on his first hunt. Kovu will teach him all about this, and the great circle of life. It was passed down generation to generation, and he already taught Riora this. She would make a fine lioness one day, he'll make sure of that. He'll also make sure that Valerius will become a respectful, proud lion. Kovu smiled at this thought, as he enjoyed it more than he should have.
Those dark ears of his perked up as he heard soft padded paws. Sooner than he expected, he saw his Kiara up so early. Why is everybody waking up? He chuckled, and his eyes grew soft as Kiara nuzzled his mane. He nuzzled her back, and watched her go backward. He smiled. She probably knew the meaning of this, with him and Valerius together. She seemed very happy about it. Anything to make her happy, and if Valerius made her happy, it made him happy too.
"Kiara, why are you up early? He said this playfully, and his tail flicked. Laughing, his ears flattened, showing he was relaxed. Actually, he was always and forever comfortable with Kiara. "I'm taking Valerius on his first hunt,"[/color] he said this and playfully nudged him with his paw. He made sure not to nudge him too hard, for they were close to the first rock to go down to the soil beneath them. Smiling up at Kiara, his eyes questioned if she wanted to join them, or wait until their Riora woke up. Or any of the lionesses, for that matter.[/size][/color]
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Post by Valerius on Jul 7, 2009 17:11:37 GMT -5
Valerius Valerius heard the shifting inside of the den, and wondered who else had woken up. It really was too early to be awake...Kovu should have been sleeping too. Valerius was usually awake so early, though, he was just used to being alone at that time.
He turned to see his mother, Kiara, and his heart was split in two different directions. He was happy to see her; he loved Kiara. It was because of her mostly that he was allowed to stay at the Pride Rock. When Kovu had his doubts, Kiara convinced him.
However, this morning was different. He wanted to be alone with Kovu, since he never was. This was supposed to be his special day. If Kiara went with them on the hunt, it would feel like that would be changed, to him.
"Goodmorning, Kiara." he said, smiling up at her, chuckling slightly. "You shouldn't be up so early!" He licked her back lovingly.
When Kovu nudged him, Valerius growled back playfully, jumping up and whacking his tail. He felt surprised at his sudden reaction towards Kovu, because usually he never acted that way to him. He never played around like that.
"He won't mind...will he?" he wondered. He really hoped that he hadn't done something stupid that would anger or upset Kovu. He instantly worried he'd ruined a good oppurtunity.
He gazed up at Kovu's eyes, seeing his question in them. "He's...offering. He's offering an inviitation for her to come...isn't he?"[/i] He tried not to show his feelings in his eyes, or twitch, or anything. He wouldn't let his mother see that. He didn't want to hurt her, he simply wanted this to be his morning.[/size]
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Post by Vitani on Jul 7, 2009 18:01:45 GMT -5
Vitani Vitani rustled in her sleep, on the brink of waking up. She tried to slink deeper, but her consciousness won over and she awoke. Moaning, she opened one lazy eye. She was in the den behind PrideRock, the sun gleaming through the cracks. Vitani stretched, extending her forelegs as far as they could go. The sun felt good on her fur, making the glossy coat shine. The sun almost never reached the Outlands, making her childhood mornings cold and damp. She vividly recalled being a member of the Outlands, exiled to darkness and treachery for a crime she had not committed. But that was over now. She was loyal to her new pride now, and she wasn't ashamed to be. Stretching one final time, Vitani shook herself and looked for Kovu, her brother. He was nowhere to be seen, as was Kiara and Valerius. " Where could they be so early in the morning?" She glanced at the sun. Well, not so early anymore. Still, it was early enough to be still asleep. Vitani scanned she Pridelands, and spotted three figures below PrideRock. " That must be them, then," she thought. It was nice to see Kovu spending time with Valerius, considering all the time he spent "being king". She sat back down and began to groom herself. She'd go hunting later as soon as some of the other lionesses woke up; or maybe she'd go by herself. It was a good day for hunting, hot so the animals would all be down at the waterhole cooling off. She snarled at the thought of prey, then stopped as one of the lionesses twitched in their sleep. Silently, she crept out of the den and padded towards the waterhole, eager to catch some prey.
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Post by >> Kiara << on Jul 7, 2009 22:22:45 GMT -5
Kiara listened and purred as Kovu nuzzled her back. So, they were going hunting? Kiara was ecstatic to see Kovu and Valerius actually spending time together. It warmed her heart and she couldn't help but smile wider.
"I was woke up by your talking... You guys were being kind of loud... and Kovu, you should know I sleep better when you're around anyway." [/b] She nuzzled him once more and slowly stood. "You two enjoy your hunting and time together. Riora and I need some quality girls time together anyway."[/b] She laughed and gave Kovu one more quick lick on the face in affection and nuzzled her adopted son. "Have fun out there, okay? And be careful."[/b] Motherly worry, just as she always told her cubs... she always warned them to be careful... and every time she did, she was reminded of her father, Simba... she fought back tears as she thought of this and cleared her throat. "I'll leave you two to it then."[/b] She smiled, her voice cracking ever so slightly, but barely enough to be noticed, if at all. She flicked her tail and slowly turned to go back to the dens.[/blockquote]
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Post by --` Kovu on Jul 7, 2009 22:28:51 GMT -5
Kovu [/color][/size] Kovu enjoyed the nuzzle and the lick. Once she decided not to come, he felt a little sad. However, he wanted to get to know Valerius more. She made a good choice. In the back of his head, though, he wondered what they were going to do in "quality girl's time." Shaking his head, he watched as Kiara slowly made her way back. A smile crept upon his face. He couldn't help but look until she left. He knew she's in pain because of Simba and Nala, and he was too. He'll talk to her later about it.
The male king peered down at his son, and his ears now perked. Now, he looked up, and quickly, with his hind legs crouched, pounced on another rock down below. His tail flicked, and his emerald eyes searched for Valerius. Once he spotted him, he smiled. Kovu stood strong, and stood still. Pride ran through his veins again.
"C'mon, Valerius. Come catch me," he laughed as he said this, and his tail lifted with dominance. He waited for Valerius, as his father-hood kicked in. He didn't want to run off without him.[/color]
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Post by Valerius on Jul 7, 2009 22:46:45 GMT -5
Valerius Valerius moved his tail from side to side happily. He loved seeing his mother happy, especially when she was often so upset over Simba and Nala. He felt bad that he couldn't sympathize more, but he hadn't known them very well.
"Sorry that we woke you up. We'll be more quiet next time." he said, hoping she would be able to fall back asleep, even without Kovu there.
He was glad that Kiara had chosen to stay behind with Riora, and his craving for quality time with his father would be satisfied, finally.
"And don't worry, Mom. I'll be careful. And I'll be with Kovu."
He smiled at her again, nuzzling her before she returned to the den.
His smiled widened, as he bounded off after Kovu. This is going to be great..
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Post by --` Kovu on Jul 10, 2009 22:27:51 GMT -5
Kovu - King of the Pridelands [/size][/color] Laughing, he easily leaped from rock to rock, following them until his paws touched the ground. The king ran a bit ahead, but stopped. He stood tall, and looked up at Valerius who was still struggling to get down. Smiling, his mane started to blow in the wind, and his tail flicked high up in the sky. Those muscles that he bore tensed up, making themselves seem bigger than they actually are. PrideRock peered to be gorgeous from where he stood; it was the highest compared to the jungle. The sunlight beamed off of it, giving it a glow. Valerius was the only dark spot compared to the glistening gray of the rock behind him.
Still, the antelope leaped past him. The birds soar high in the bright blue sky. The trees blew, giving the monkeys something to do to entertain themselves. Everything was still going on, even though the king was in their presence. Soon, the prince will be too. Kovu's emerald eyes glistened, watching as the circle of life passed all around him. This will be Valerius' moment to understand this. This lesson is like no other. The small prince will remember this lesson, as Kovu would repeat it to him, just like he repeated it to Riora. However, Riora was like her mother, always bouncy and barely listening. Just demanding that somebody will listen to her. However, the male lion felt that the prince Val would be different. He felt he would listen to what he would say to him, and watch what he would teach him. Smiling at this, Kovu couldn't help but mock the poor boy to give him some motivation.
"C'mon! You're slower than a meerkat! Laughing, he kept watching Valerius, not even considering the fact that he was older than him. Didn't matter to Kovu, at all.[/color]
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Post by Valerius on Jul 12, 2009 18:20:03 GMT -5
Valerius Valerius quickened his pace down the rocks, carefully watching his footing, not wanting to fall and embarrass himself in front of Kovu. Regardless of the fact that he rarely stumbled, the thought of doing something stupid and ungainly in front of Kovu plagued his mind. He tried shaking the thoughts out of his head unsuccessfully, and just tried to continue onward.
"Slower then a meerkat?!" he exclaimed, grinning. So this is how he wants to play...[/i] Valerius pushed himself harder, desperate to prove that he could keep up easily. He choose his footing carefully and wisely; he'd walked down these rocks many times before and knew them as well as any lion or lioness. "We'll see who is slower then a meerkat!" He growled playfully, and leaped forward. He loved that Kovu wasn't treating him like a child, like some annoying cub he wished he could send away. He couldn't wait to learn everything that Kovu would teach him. Valerius loved to learn, and often watched the lionesses to learn all her could from them; although without a proper mentor it was difficult. The bottom of Priderock, and all the Pridelands, the jungle, everything, grew larger as Kovu and him came nearer. The view lower down was just as spectacular as the view from above. [/size]
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