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Walking back to the lion village, I felt tired with the hot sun looming overhead. The load of firewood in my hands wasn't heavy at all, but my arms were tired from carrying the numerous bundle of sticks for so long.

"How big did you say human villages are?" A female voice inquired. The lioness walking beside me was slim and graceful, even as she walked with plenty of wood in her arms. She was nineteen or twenty and still had a bubbly personality of a youth, but make no mistake about her outward friendliness. If insulted, she could fight with the savagery of any male lion in the village. She was particularly talented with wielding a knife, but without one she still had ten knives on both hands, one for each fingertip.

"Tell me." Her persistence paid off.

"Some are very very big, Khataro." I stated.

"Is that a lot?" Khataro asked. "You won't tell me."

"It's difficult to explain..." I wanted to wipe the accumulating sweat on my forehead as I glanced up towards the sky, careful to avoid looking at the powerful sun above. Truthfully, I didn't want to begin telling her about human cities. We had been gathering firewood, which was not a difficult task at the end of the dry season. Walking around for a few miles in the savanna usually yielded enough for a household, but the full strength of the sun shining from above had quickly sapped my strength. It was onerous to think about explaining concepts in such a manner.

"Please..." She was persistent.

"Fine." I sighed and resigned myself to talking. I glanced over only to see a happy feline grin and bright curious green eyes staring back at me. She wore a garment exactly like mine; a simple loincloth tied around her waist, but nothing else. Her slim golden and cream fur outlined her natural youthfulness and strength. Both of her small perky breasts were completely naked, visible for anyone to see. Her thick brown nipples seemed to poke out curiously, just like her questions. I still wasn't entirely accustomed to the phenomenon of half naked lionesses. I couldn't help but stare at times even though I was constantly surrounded by the bare chested lions every day. Nudity didn't carry the same taboo elements as it did where I was from. There was no shame associated with the body. It was hot in the savanna, and clothing performed very little function. Breasts were no different than arms or legs in their utility.

However, the more I talked and explained, the more questions she had in mind.

"So human huts and houses are much larger than our homes?" Khataro asked.

"Yes. They have lots of space, especially if a lot of people need to be inside." I wasn't sure how to explain the concept of an office building or apartment complex to her.

"How do humans build houses and buildings so big when they are not very strong?"

"Your questions are unending like a long river." I remarked with a grin despite how tired I was. Khataro laughed as we walked back to the village. Little clouds of dust were kicked up wherever we stepped leaving a little hazy trail of dirt in our wake. Our steps lightly and occasionally crunched in the dry grasses. The once lush vegetation had all dried out leaving only dead brown grass. At first glance the desolation of the dry season appeared irreversible, but the rejuvenation of rain was an annually observed miracle.

In the far distance of the horizon, clouds were visibly gathering. Where I grew up the distant clap of thunder, dark skies, and visible bolts of lightning were all seen as ominous signs of a scary storm. However, in the savanna, they brought the promise of the rains. The rainy season was time of rebirth and abundance for the village and the entire savanna. What appeared to be dead would quickly be resurrected. The village was eager this time of year, or at least that was the best way I could explain it. The rains were a blessing like no other in the savanna, and gave life to everything around the lions, including the very ground they walked on.

We eventually reached the first of several huts in the village, and typical scenes were playing out. I could see two cubs nearby kicking up a dust cloud from play fighting. Their shrieks and mock roars were more amusing than threatening. Not too far away from them, a stern looking grandmother lioness was watching them closely while another little one crawled on her back. An old grandmother could strike fear into the heart of even the strongest male lion. A couple of villagers were rolling up fishing nets from a poor day's catch. A trio of lionesses were busily multitasking; all three were weaving baskets, but two were also nursing an infant and a toddler all while gossiping. Mothers had an impressive feat of managing their time.

A more subtle observation of the dry season was prevalent as well. Farming tools were visible leaning outside several huts of eager farmers. They were awaiting the rains, because the ground was too hard to plow when it was dry.

"Thank you for gathering wood with me." Khataro dropped her armload alongside mine by her family's hut.

"Your welcome. Hopefully it will start raining by tomorrow."

"I hope so!" She smiled and bid me goodbye. As soon as we parted ways a figure bumped into me.

"Oops? Sorry-!" I managed to say and turned around only to face a familiar mature lioness, my mother-in-law, Mafune. The lioness was middle-aged, but still very strong in her own right. She wore a red loincloth, and plenty of jewelry on her arms and around her neck, but little else in terms of clothing. Her breasts were bare for anyone to see, a normal facet of tribal life in the lion village. The scars on her upper chest and belly were just as eye catching for other reasons. She merely glanced at me with a disapproving frown and continued walking. The little wooden bracelets on her wrists and around her neck clacked with every step taken.

'What was that about?' I wondered and walked away. I knelt down and entered my humble abode, a standard hut that I shared with my mate Bashira. The lovely lioness herself was laying on her side where we normally slept together. I took a moment to admire her beautiful figure. After all, she wasn't even wearing her loincloth. The front of her fur was a standard light cream, almost white, just like every other lioness. The fur on her sides, backside, and most of her limbs was a traditional golden color. Despite appearing so sweet and innocent while sprawled out, I knew that she could easily tackle me to the ground. The muscles underneath her fur were far more impressive than any human woman I had ever met before. Her tummy gently rose and feel in time with her breaths. I crept forward believing that she was asleep until I noticed a tail silently tap the ground behind her.

"Are you still asleep?" I whispered.

"No, I've been awake." She lazily yawned and stretched with grace that only a lioness possessed. I grinned and crept up to her side as she rolled onto her back. A pair of golden eyes looked up at me with a little grin. I placed my hand on her belly and rubbed over her tummy. The lioness hummed contently as I trailed down to her groin before running up her smooth abs, and then smoothly brushing over one breast. I gave both a generous massage before snaking down to her tummy again to repeat the entire cycle. I rubbed her front for a few moments, ruffling and smoothing her light cream fur. I loved her so much.

"I'll rub your back." She offered and touched my arm.

"I can't say no to that." I turned my back to her as she sat up. Bashira began with my shoulders and worked down my back. Her strong padded hands felt amazing on my skin and tired muscles. I wanted to lean back into her arms, but one thought lingered on my mind.

"Why doesn't your mother like me?" I asked with a little hesitancy. Bashira's ears wiggled at the odd question.

"Why do you say that? Of course she like you."

"She bumped into me earlier, but wouldn't say anything." I explained. "And that's not the first time she has been grumpy around me. She is very stern when I try weaving baskets." I mumbled.

"Baskets must be weaved with skill, not one's tongue." She pointed out. "She will praise your work once it meets her standard of quality."

"She must have high standards." I closed my eyes while Bashira continued rubbing my back.

"You should spend time with my mother." Bashira suggested to my surprise.

"Really?" I looked over my shoulder at her skeptically. "She looks like the kind of person who would rip my head off." I stated. Bashira chuckled warmly at that.

"She seems intimidating, but like any mother, her heart is full of love and kindness."

"Where does she hide her heart?" I half joked .

"Go on a hunt with her." The lioness recommended. "You can carry weapons for her. She still prefers to bathe where we do." She added. I thought about the idea, and I didn't see anything wrong with it.

"Ok. I'll see what I can do." I nodded.

"Good." Bashira hummed. "Now then..." An arm suddenly wrapped around my torso.

"Careful!" I laughed as she pulled me to the ground for a playful wrestle.

It was early morning, and the sun had just risen. The heavenly body's rays had only just begun filling the darkness with their light. My mate was still asleep, but I was already awake like the sun. Sitting outside of our home, I waited patiently for someone else to emerge from their home. In the meantime, I didn't realize the difficulty of the task Bashira had given me. Normally a bath was a common occurrence, and the lions bathed regularly to keep clean. There were no perfumes or colognes in the savanna anyway. As I mentioned before, nudity wasn't an issue. The lions regularly bathed in groups regardless of their sex. The primary reason was for safety, as silly as it sounded. Safety in numbers wasn't something I had thought about for powerful lions, but the old saying had its truth when bathing in waters inhabited by crocodiles.

'Huh?' My eyes blinked and gaze lifted as movement caught my attention. I spotted the older lioness leaving her home a short distance away, and quickly rose to my feet. She glanced around and departed for the hidden grove of reeds close to the village. I followed her from a short distance. Once she arrived, the lioness stopped.

"Is there a reason why you are following me?" She looked over her shoulder and directly asked me. I paused and considered what she had said.

"I wanted to ask if you needed any help bathing."

"Usually my daughters bathe me." She stated.

"I asked Bashira, and she told me that, well..." I wasn't sure how to explain myself properly. "She told me that I should spend more time with you." Her face remained unmoved, but her ears wiggled with a slight curiosity. The battle hardened matron silently turned around and walked into the reeds. I blinked and watched as she quickly disappeared from view, like a true predator on the prowl.

'Does that mean yes or no?' I asked myself before cautiously approaching the tall reeds. I wove my way through the foliage, careful to check my surroundings. 'She disappeared so fast!' I thought as my feet touched shallow water. After searching through the dense thicket, I reached an opening and found the secret bathing spot that she used. The older lioness was standing in a shallow pool of water where a large boulder sat, surrounded by the privacy of dense reeds. Lily pads dotted the water's surface like lavish decorations. Her round ears flickered as I waded forward. Mafune turned around with a stoic look on her face as if she had been waiting for me to show up. The older lioness was also completely naked and not at all bashful about the fact. Then again, with her figure, there was no need to feel ashamed.

Her scars were always very plain to see during the day, but given the circumstances, I had a much more intimate view of them. The jagged marks on her belly and upper chest made me thankful to be in good health. The healed pinkish skin no longer covered by fur wasn't fresh either. Her injuries were old, some possibly older than me!

"Alright. I am ready." She sat down on the boulder. I approached, but kept my loincloth on. I crouched down behind her to scoop water into my hands, and stood up. I gently poured the handful of water down her back, and looked over her back for a moment. I could easily see where my mate Bashira inherited her strength from. The older lioness's backside was unmarred compared to her front. It was obvious that she had never fled from a life threatening situation and met it head on.

I cupped several more handfuls of water and soaked her throughly before washing her backside. It was peacefully quiet between us. I thought back to when I first stumbled upon Bashira and her sister bathing their mother. The amount of love and tenderness between the family of lionesses was heartwarming and endearing. And I was becoming a part of that. I lifted her arm and washed it thoroughly next, followed by the other. Wading around to her front, her legs were not parted wide, but it was easy to see her womanhood between her thighs. I knew better than to take more than a glimpse, and knelt down to focus solely on her legs. Despite her age, I marveled at how strong her legs felt.

With her paws washed that only left the last place on her body. My eyes rested on Mafune's scarred chest and belly, half expecting her to move away. Yet, the mature lioness sat still for me. There was a noticeable heaviness to her breasts, mostly due to age. She had nursed both of her daughters through infancy to three or four years old. Tanned rings of skin surrounded her taut nipples. Bashira's breasts would soon begin to sag like her mother's in the years to come, but I wouldn't love her any less because of aging. In fact, her beauty wouldn't fade in the slightest just like her mother's.

I hesitated only to feel an impatient golden eye stare me down. I had to remind myself that there was no taboo towards breasts. I didn't dare to disappoint and unceremoniously began washing and rubbing her lovely breasts. They were very soft, yielding to my gentle touch, but her thick fleshy nubs were firm in my palms. The mature lioness didn't bat an eye or move an inch. Even her tail was still. I would've been lying to say that I wasn't enjoying it, but I didn't get carried away.

"Where did you get this scar from?" I traced over her slim belly where a jagged line trailed from her navel almost to her side.

"That one? It was a long time ago." Her golden eyes blinked slowly in thought as she turned over several memories. "One day I was hunting a water buffalo with a group, but it was very dangerous. We were in a muddy embankment, and most of our bodies were covered in dark muck." She motioned over herself. "It was difficult to see clearly when everyone was moving around along the muddy riverbank to corner the beast. Someone thrusted their spear and missed the buffalo, but hit me instead. Luckily, the spear tip didn't cut very deep or break off. The water buffalo struck me because I jumped in front of it to escape. It nearly gored me." She told me a story that made me shudder.

Being struck by your own hunting partner was a misfortune, but all too common occurrence during a difficult hunt. It was almost as prevalent as being injured by a wild animal.

"What about this one?" She lifted her chin as I touched the large scar at the top of her chest. It ran diagonally up from the top of one breast and widened just below her clavicle before touching the opposite shoulder. Two smaller faint cuts were visible as well.

"That one was right after Bashira's younger sister was weaned." She remembered. "There was a bush war, and several outsiders hid along a patch of trees north of our village. One evening I was with two friends walking up along the river." She pointed and motioned with her hand. "A group of outsiders jumped us, but we fought back. The one that I was fighting cut me with a knife, but I managed to break his jaw before he slipped away." She sounded rather proud of her injury and accomplishment. I didn't want to ask if the outsider was human or not.

"You're lucky to be alive." I remarked much to her amusement.

"I won't die so easily." She grinned. I had nothing but respect for the feline after hearing her say that.

"I am going with a few elders to the borderlands two days from now. It will be informal, but useful." She talked while I finished rubbing her breasts and belly, as if we were talking over a meal together. "Would you like to come with me?"

"Informal? What will you be doing out there?" I asked.

"Meeting with the Nengu, Abwosha."

"Who?" I didn't understand. She chuckled at my ignorance.

"Nengu, they're African Wild Dogs." She told me with a little grin. "Abwosha is their former chieftain. They live in Nekwosa upriver where the plains are hot."

"If he is the former chieftain, then who is the current one?" I knew very little about neighboring tribes and villages in the savanna.

"Aba Naberu is their current chieftain, but he won't be there." She sighed as I rinsed her body by pouring water over her a final time. "We will be talking about anything. It is not diplomatic."

"Ok. I will go with you." I confirmed to her pleasure.

The trip upriver was a long walk for my standards. We walked for over an hour along the riverbank, but at least I didn't have to wake up at sunrise to leave with Mafune. My mate's mother was beside me, silent as ever. She carried a small gourd tied to her hip, but we had eaten enough in the morning to last into the afternoon. The ground beneath our steps was no longer bone dry. The savanna had its first rain of the season, and the river already looked higher than when I last saw it.

A giant boulder came into view once we passed a bend in the river. A few figures were visible at the base of the giant stone.

"Is that them?" I glanced at Mafune.

"Yes." She stated without cutting her eyes towards me. The first figure was an old male african wild dog seated on the ground with a walking staff resting by his side. The second also appeared to be the same species but was female. However, I was very surprised to see another species present with the canines. Their anatomy was unmistakable, and unseen anywhere else that I knew of. Known to the lions of my village as 'Gamawa', spotted hyenas lived a very different life than the one I had become accustomed to.

Spotted hyenas were very strong, just like lions, but shorter in stature like a human. That wasn't surprising though. The female hyena before me fit that description perfectly. Her arms and legs were strong from living a physical life. Female hyenas were typically bulkier than their male counterparts, and their testosterone fueled bodies had a pseudo penis that could've fooled any keen eye. Their village structure as matriarchal because of this. The females took on more significant roles during hunting, fishing, and even mating. It wasn't too different from the lions in this respect, or at least from my human perspective.

Even though she had round full shaped breasts with firm brown nipples pointing ahead, a long phallus shape drew my eyes lower. She wore a green skirt like garment that covered her rear and draped down the sides of her legs, but left her odd hyena genitalia proudly on full display. It was an odd facet of spotted hyena life to show off what others considered to be the most private. I was fortunate that Dr. Renault didn't have an interest in spotted hyenas instead of lions.

"Hey! Mafune!" One of the elders called out.

"Halugo! Abwosha!" Mafune waved and greeted the old spotted wild dogs. "Langoa. I'm surprised to see you and your father Kajiru here." She addressed the female spotted hyena and the elder male hyena seated behind her.

"I cannot walk as far as I used to." The elder hyena admitted and looked at his daughter appreciatively.

"It's good to see you again Mafune." The others happily spoke as we sat down and joined them.

"Who is this human friend of yours?" The female hyena looked at me curiously.

"This is my daughter, Bashira's mate." Mafune explained. Her brow rose in surprise. The elders looked mildly surprised as well.

"Is this true?"

"Yes, I am Bashira's mate." I spoke up, but kept my gaze level with the hyena's despite the obvious nudity in plain sight.

"Are lions very trusting of humans now?" The old wild dog beside her questioned. "After all, you accepted a human as your new son by marriage."

"Only with those we know." Mafune answered.

"We are the same way." Halugo nodded.

"You cannot be too trusting around outsiders." Kajiru added.

"The first humans I ever saw were poachers. They were careless wherever they went in their machines. I never understood why they left the dead body where it was killed. All of the meat was left to rot. How many people could that have fed? Do they not have families to feed?" Mafune asked aloud.

'Maybe Mafune never liked humans.' I realized her possible distrust towards me likely stretched farther back than when I met her.

"They come from far away." The female hyena added and glanced at me, but no one asked me anything.

"We rarely saw humans in this area until a decade or so ago." Kajiru, the elder hyena spoke up. "They still avoid our villages and people."

"They are terrified of your women, Kajiru." Abwosha slyly spoke much to their amusement.

"There was a human woman and her mate who once visited our village some time ago." The elder hyena recalled. "They were fascinated with how we lived our lives, and of course how our males and females interacted so differently. They were very friendly, but strange to me."

"We've had several humans calling themselves professors or researchers who did the same thing in our village." Abwosha added. "Most of them were kind to us."

"An older human visited our village for the first time several yeses ago," Mafune recalled, "because a hunting group found him wandering the savanna. I thought he was just stupid, but I learned that he had fallen from his vehicle and knocked his head on the ground. He had no idea who he was for a day or two." She chuckled over the silliness of it all. "The chieftain was wary of him at first, but we realized that he was a good person. Clumsy and strange at times, but still good." She affirmed. "He is very fascinated about our village and the way we live, so there is no issue letting him visit us." She explained.

'Clumsy and strange at times.' I found her words very truthful about my friend.

"That's a funny story." The elder African wild dog grinned. "Did he really lose his memory for a few days?"

"Yes, I remember seeing him walk around with a wide eyed look wherever he went." Mafune nodded. "But he soon remembered his past and himself. He's visited many times since then and is friendly towards everyone."

"Ah, is that how this human came to your village?" Abwosha looked at me.

"Yes. I came with him, but decided to stay." I answered.

"A human living with the lions of Luhanga." The hyena female found it funny.

"Lions are always strong and resourceful. I'm proud of that." The old lioness confidently stated. "My daughter is a strong talented hunter like I was at her age. He loves her very much." Mafune placed a firm hand on my shoulder. The other elders appeared impressed for a moment. Admittedly, that was the kindest thing she had said about me.

"That's right, the first of the rains came through the region yesterday." Kajiru mentioned. "Langoa and a few other women hinted down two wildebeests in the rain." He proudly smiled at his daughter. "Hasn't there been a hunt yet for the lions? It just rained." He pointed out. "My sons and daughters have already begun the new hunting season."

"We have a hunt prepared two days from now." Mafune said. "The village waits for the first rain to start plowing the small plots near the river."

"Is the human hunting as well?" Langoa, the female hyena said in an amusing tone.

"He hunts with my daughter on occasion." She admitted.

"As a spear carrier?" The old female wild dog guessed.

"Yes." Mafune answered for me.

"I'd like to go on the hunt." I spoke up, and all eyes and ears turned towards me. Mafune didn't appear pleased, but then again, she rarely did.

"This hunt will begin early in the morning." She warned me.

"I'll be ready." I stated. Her rope like tail tapped the ground, but she didn't refuse my request. The others didn't mention anything further about hunting either. They resumed talking about personal matters and the occasional story. Despite all of the personal information being given and leaned about, I focused on the first hint of the rainy season. I would not be able to hint and kill an animal, but I would be able to stay with the pack the entire way. That was where I could prove myself to her.

"It's sunrise." A voice quietly stirred me.

"Huh?" I peeked an eye open only to find Mafune crouched down inside the entrance to the hut. I sat up and blinked in confusion. The older lioness resembled Bashira, but I noticed my mate was seated at my side.

"Don't tell you have already forgotten." Mafune pointed out my half asleep state. The older lioness was ready for the hunt. Her shoulders were painted with a pair of thick red lines. A pair of red thumbprints above both eyes matched her shoulders as well as the four thick red lines on the outer sides of her upper legs. She wore a pair of necklaces; one made from beads, and the other made from bone. However, nothing was worn to remotely cover her sagging breasts. The leather string holding up her loincloth around her waist was adorned with tassels of colored strings. They were likely a personal item believed to have good luck. The spear she carried in hand was very intimidating, just like a pair of fangs. The large stone point was fletched by hand, and created to break off when inflicting a deep wound.

"Everyone is ready to go." She informed me.

"I'm awake." I yawned and quickly tied on my loincloth. Bashira and I had gone to sleep early last night without any romantics. It was considered bad luck to do so before the day of a planned hunt. Superstitions like these were commonplace in the savanna villages, and held powerful sway over everyday decision making.

"How long have you been awake?" I rubbed my eyes to shake any lingering tiredness from my body.

"A while." She didn't elaborate. "I didn't want to wake you too early." Bashira was soft at heart, even if she didn't want to admit it. She checked me over and nodded to her mother that I was ready.

"Let's go." The older female spoke. Before I could leave, Bashira embraced me in a loose hug and rubbed her face against mine affectionately.

"Good luck hunting. I love you."

"Thank you. I love you too." I said before exiting the hut with her mother. The older lioness was grinning, although I couldn't be sure of it. The sun was rising over the horizon, filling this stretch of the world with its light.

"You're not still asleep, are you?" Mafune teased. I looked over and found her softly grinning.

"No. I'm ready." I told her as we approached a small group of hunters just outside of the village. There were two males and seven females. The first male, Nafuru, was the chieftain's eldest son and inherited his father's barrel chested build as well as his darker mane complexion. He was armed with a heavy spear like Mafune. The second male was named Kinwo, a youngster inspired to everyone else present. He was going to carry extra spears, javelins, or arrows like me.

The seven lionesses were athletically built, adorned with painted lines, and armed with a variety of weapons to aid in the hunt. Engbwa, Mawu, Nu'utsi, and Kisinma were all armed with bows in hand, and quiver straps running between their breasts. They were around Bashira's age and had few scars to show, but their accuracy was deadly from any distance. Abentu and Anakwoma were carrying light javelins for throwing. The seventh lioness, Tilwa, stood out like Mafune. Her front was decorated with scars, even to the point where the bridge of her nose had a tiny mark. She also carried a heavy spear with a large stone tip like Mafune. Tilwa wore a simple necklace with only one adornment, a large crocodile tooth. Despite her rough exterior, she was a wonderful mother of three cubs.

Heads turned as Mafune and I joined them.

"The last two... Is everyone ready?" Nafuru spoke in a deep voice fit for a king. Everyone gave a nod.

"Carry these for us." Abentu handed me a pair of stone tipped spears. It was my job to help replenish weapons of necessary. I was happy to help in any way, but I was very thankful that I didn't have to potentially stare down giant prey with the simplest of weapons in my hands.

"Let's go." Nafuru decided, and everyone followed him into the bush.

"You look tired, human." One lioness nudged me.

"Did you sleep well?" Tilwa and another lioness teased me.

"Or did Mafune startle you in a dream?" Anakwoma chuckled.

"She made sure I was awake." I offered a kind smile and glanced towards the older lioness.

"I didn't have to drag him out of his home." Mafune affirmed with a little nod to their amusement. Brief words were shared between the lionesses about hunting, nursing, and their families until the village disappeared from view behind us. Once we were farther out, everyone grew silent for the hunt...

***

The pride's hunting group walked for more than three miles into the savanna and bush. The sun was hot when the clouds failed to cast shade. I was sweating and tired, my arms were even a little sore from carrying the extra spears; but I stayed alongside Mafune without faltering once. I had carried spare spears for Bashira during hunts before. It wasn't a new task for me. However, I wanted to impress her mother Mafune, and that extra pressure helped me endure. Despite Mafune's age, she easily kept pace with the group. I envied even an old lioness's endurance! Despite walking so far, it was still morning. We had plenty of work to do.

Arriving on a low hill, we could see out a wide distance across the savanna and bush. The largely flat landscape offered many hiding places, but a keen feline eye quickly found a desired prey.

"Over there." Nafuru pointed far ahead. Everyone scanned the savanna and discovered a herd of zebra and wildebeest scattered across the flat plain. They were slowly moving across a dry riverbed, grazing wherever possible along the parched ground.

"We can hide in the bush that way and wait." Tilwa recommended.

"If they smell us downwind, none will come near us." Mawu spoke up. All of them began creating plans to attack the herd. I was merely a spear bearer. I had no place to speak and tell the other hardened hunters what to do. I kept an eye on Mafune. Unlike her daughter, she was very quiet, and hardly spoke. Bashira was never shy about an idea when it came to hunting. She was always eager to sink her teeth into a beast's hide. Nafuru listened to all of the lionesses' recommendations. As the chieftain's son, he was leading the hunting group, and the decision was his to make. Although, he was also a skilled hunter, so it wasn't made merely because he was the chief's eldest son.

"We will wait until they pass through to the right side." He gestured with an arm. The others ultimately agreed and sat down. It was almost picturesque at how a pack of painted lionesses perched upon a hill, overlooked the herd from afar. There was nothing else that I could do, so I sat alongside them. Watching a herd from afar for more than an hour was almost cruel in a sense; but waiting was a difficult game that tested one's patience. I wanted to take a nap by the time the order was given.

"Let's go." Nafuru said earnestly, and was the first to descend the hillside. Everyone else rose up and followed him. Everyone fanned out into two wings. Nafuru led one group, but I stayed behind the group led by Mafune and Tilwa. Our group would have more archers and spears to attack the disoriented prey. The tall grass was sparse given the fact that the rains had barely begun; but it was adequate enough to hide a lion or a human from sight.

Nafuru's wing moved faster in an arc, similar in manner to how a hinged door shut. The idea was to push a herd towards the other group and make a quick kill. If not, then the backup plan was to encircle a confused prey. The herd of zebra and wildebeest were still unaware of our presence. I was excited just like everyone else, but kept a steady pace. The last thing anyone needed was a sudden burst of excitement to ruin the hunt.

Creeping closer and closer, we were just ahead of the herd. Our position was perfect, but we waited to strike. From the corner of my eye I saw Nafuru leap with the other lionesses and startle the herd. Several arrows were released, javelins were thrown, and many found their targets. A stampede ran towards us, and adrenaline flooded my body. I stayed low to the ground as I had done several times when hunting with Bashira.

The lionesses suddenly leapt forward and rushed towards the zebra running into the bush. A roaring madness thundering in my ears ensued. There was a flurry of exciting roars and yells to confuse the herd of scattering zebra. I rushed to keep up without being trampled or disoriented from the dust that was kicked up. I saw bows arc, notched with arrows, as the archers before me cornered an injured target. Arrows zipped through the air as they found their marks.

Tilwa leapt at a zebra with several arrows already in its bleeding hindquarters and plunged her spear into its flank. The beast reared up only to lose its balance. The rest of the group instantly rushed the injured prey as soon as it fell to the ground. Knives were drawn as it kicked, but the zebra's life was ended in an instant. A bright smile emerged on my face as I ran up to everyone. My heart was still thundering within my chest, and the adrenaline rush wouldn't wear off for a while. The hunt was successful, and everyone was ecstatic. Congratulations were given and everyone was in high spirits.

***

It was the first successful kill of the rainy season, so a big celebration was warranted. Once the zebra was brought to the village, it was immediately quartered and cooked. Every single bite of flesh was shared until only cleaned bones remained. Cubs played emphatically with the new bones and several sticks, engaging in their own mock hunts limited only by their imaginations. Several males and female engaged in playful wrestling to win a few extra honors for the night. Singing, chanting, and instruments were played together in a variety of tribal music. Several males and females dressed themselves in elaborate clothing for lion standards, and adorned themselves with exotic jewelry. Others painted themselves and went completely naked as they danced wildly together. There was so much laughter that it was deafening.

Elders retold stories about amazing feats of hunting and fishing; how Uluzubu splayed the mythical crocodile Merkut; the cunning wit of Nimbebe the quick jackal; and how lions first came to hunt in these lands. It was a celebration that I wish Dr. Renault could have witnessed. I would be lucky to remember half of what I heard and saw to write down. At least I could send him a letter tomorrow!

The hours of partying endured into the early night when villagers began returning to their homes. The festivities were enjoyed by all to their fullest. Infants were nursed asleep and mothers retired early for the night. Gradually the remaining adults went to sleep. One or two even fell asleep outside!

I was still seated near the fire with Bashira when only the soft popping and crackling could be heard alongside chirping crickets, and an occasional loud snore. Her head was resting against my shoulder, and our hands were loosely holding one another. I didn't want to be anywhere else after such a fun evening and night.

"Hmm..." The lioness beside me stirred.

"Tired?" I guessed, feeling a little sleepy myself.

"I'm tired, but stay up as long as you like." My mate said before placing an arm around me and licking my neck.

"I'll join you shortly." I rubbed my cheek against hers before she stood up. I watched her walk away and disappear through the entrance into our home. I glanced around the near empty bonfire, and recognized an older lioness sitting alone farther away.

'Mafune?' I looked at her. Her powerful golden gaze was staring towards my home where Bashira had disappeared. The lioness had a longing look in her aged eyes. I watched her eventually stand up and then walk away into the bush, her tail trailing low to the ground behind her.

'She looks sad.' I thought and followed after her. The dark path through the brush was poorly visible despite the cloudless night. I found myself brushing past numerous little branches and twigs to reach the other side.

'Where could she have gone?' I wondered as I emerged from the thicket. In the subtle silvery light of the crescent moon, I found the mature lioness sitting with her back to a tree. Her gaze was focused up above at the starry sky, and she remained silent even as I approached.

"Why are you out here all alone?" I asked and sat down beside her. Mafune didn't pay any attention to me at first and continued to silently stare up at the night sky. But eventually she offered me an answer.

"I'm just thinking..." The older lioness sounded adrift, like a log in the river. "You and Bashira look so happy together."

"Sorry for taking your daughter away from you." I apologized only for the older lioness to scoff at me.

"Do not feel sorry!" Mafune earnestly told me. "She is happy with you, and I am not stupid." Her facial expression softened as well as her tone. "You didn't take my daughter away from me. You both chose each other." I was a little surprised by her words, half expecting her to be angry at me.

"I always thought you were... angry at me." I admitted. "I'm a human."

"Hah! No, I'm not angry at you." She grinned and rubbed her arm. "I am happy for my daughter, and you too. I do not care if you are not a lion. You make her very happy, and I couldn't ask her to have a better mate." Her praise made my chest swell with pride and happiness. Knowing that Mafune didn't hold a grudge against me, and even approved of me. I was eager to have her acceptance at last.

"Thank you, Mafune. That really means a lot to me." We exchanged smiles.

"I remember how I felt with my mate long ago." Her ears fell back with a hint of bashful guilt. "I feel jealous of what time has taken from me." There was sadness in her voice, but it barely masked the strength in her tone.

"You better not leave my daughter unsatisfied or I'll have your tongue pulled out." She half joked with a wry smile.

"You don't have to worry about that." I quietly spoke with a grin.

"Is that so?" She softly huffed. "You should prove yourself to me." I didn't know what to make of her rebuttal. Was it a challenge? Mafune stood up and to my surprise turned and swung her leg to my other side. The wide stance left me facing a shadowy view of her naked lower torso. When did she remove her loincloth? Bulky feline fingers gently reached down and lifted my chin up just enough so our eyes connected. Her feline orbs glowed with a sensual grace that was not human, but full of soul.

"Just for this night... the two of us?" The normally blunt and tough matron almost sounded nervous. I blinked and couldn't believe what she was proposing. She was being direct, but far more diplomatic than Bashira. I searched her eyes for a moment. The crescent moon gleamed over her shoulder like a silent witness from the starry night sky. The beautiful line of her sex was waiting for me. Craning my neck forward, I could feel the heat from her body a mere inch away.

She softly gasped as soon as my lips met hers. It was just a testing first lick, but it was a quick nod of approval from above. Mafune edged forward, locking me in place with my cheeks nestled between her furry thighs. I slowly worked my tongue along her supple hot folds, teasing her entrance along its feminine line. There was silence from above. Just like her daughter, she wasn't quick to fall under the sways of physical pleasure. Even after a full minute there was little reaction from Mafune. But before long, the mature lioness began to shudder. She leaned forward and gripped the tree for support.

"Nnn..." A soft, subtle, yet definitive moan echoed above me. I could hear it above the chirping crickets. Glancing up, her breasts seemed to hang lower, gazing down at me as the mature lioness held onto the tree. Both breasts subtly jiggled and shifted as she shuddered and tensed from my lovemaking.

I reached up her slim tummy and lightly touched one breast with a hand. The soft mass yielded to my touch as I sought to lightly pinch her taut nipple. I cupped and rubbed her firm rear with the other. I felt her tail swaying erratically behind her. Her back arched, and a deeper moan escaped her throat.

The minutes hotly ticked by. Licking, rubbing, fondling, all in unison enthralled the mature lioness, but it was a pleasurable game of endurance. She was a mature woman after all, and needed every moment of attention. I buried my face into her groin, and pressed my nose into her warm short downy fur. I felt her rear clench and relax as her breath came with audible groans.

"Ahh... Uh-aahaah." Her voice rose in pitch as her thighs trembled against my cheeks. Mafune began gently humping my face, trying to ride my tongue for all its worth. I did not abate in pleasuring her for a single moment. The sound of claws shredding and tearing into tree bark quietly echoed over my head. With a quick glance, I could see the grimacing look of pleasure on her face. Pressing forward, I could feel her entire body trembling so close to complete bliss. My hands drew back to her rear once more, holding her close.

She went silent and her entire upper body slumped forward while her legs became stiff. A throaty moan almost frightened me as a predatory growl. The increased wetness on my tongue was apparent as I felt it dribble down my chin. The sound of claws raking down the side of the tree startled me, but a warm padded hand gently touched my forehead and eased my head back.

"Ugh..." She gave another throaty moan and pushed back against the tree to stand upright. One hand trailed down her tummy and felt over her quivering wet sex, but the other hand continued to prop itself against the tree. She was panting and breathing deeply.

"Are you okay?" I asked and continued rubbing her warm legs.

"Yes. Hold on..." She took a minute to catch her breath. I started to stand up, but a hand rested on my shoulder, convincing me to stay put. Mafune crouched down in front of me once she was ready. Her predatory gaze focused on my groin. I looked at her with a little surprise that she wasn't finished with me yet. My cheeks reddened a little at the attention she gave me. A loincloth never hid arousal very well.

"I might be old, but I have endurance." Mafune whispered and touched my loincloth. She took the utmost care in removing my only garment. My length was already standing at attention, as if pointing directly at her with its own desire.

"Lay down." She whispered. Bashira was the same way, so I obliged and settled back onto the flat ground. The older lioness softly grinned and gently felt my throbbing manhood.

"Careful." I grunted a warning. Those padded fingertips and palm felt wonderful, but would easily end the night for me.

"Of course." She warmly smiled. Shuffling forward on her hands and legs, I ogled her breasts as they swung below. Mafune sat up in a low crouch, looming above my spire. I helped guide her down to my lap. Every inch was taken with ease from the lioness, but she was hot like a blazing flame. I grunted once our bodies fully met. Having her full weight was enough to pin me, but I wasn't going anywhere.

Having a full view of the lioness atop me was something else. I wouldn't admit it openly, but she was very attractive. The beautiful scars along her front were uniquely her own, and told their own powerful stories. She shifted her hips for good measure giving me another reason to moan.

"I won't last long..." I told her, grabbing her leg for a little reprieve. Mafune's lip curled up into a grin.

"We have all night." She cooed and leaned forward with feline grace. The gleam in her eyes should've scared me, but I did not hesitate and touched the breasts hanging above my face. She leaned forward and placed both hands by my head, giving me full access to her chest. I gave her firm nipples a thorough tweaking as she started riding me with only the crescent moon to witness out lovemaking...

The sound of crickets disturbed my peaceful slumber. I quietly grumbled to myself but decided to wake up. My eyes preened open only to squint shut from the sting of sunshine. The dirt beneath me was uncomfortable, and my back tensed from the subtlest of movements. Rolling onto my back, a distinct soreness in my legs made me sigh with tiredness, but also with a hint of satisfaction.

'It's morning...' I grumbled in my thoughts and covered my eyes. Going back to sleep was the first thing in mind, but I should've known better.

"What are you doing out here?" A female voice managed to reach me in my half awakened state. A side splash of water jolted me awake.

"Huh? What?!" I sat up with a jump as chuckling and laughter erupted from nearby. I blinked with disbelief at the water dripped from my face and chest. It was indeed daylight, the previous night a mere memory already. Bashira was standing before me wearing her red loincloth and several bone and leather string bracelets. However, the topless lioness looked down at me with perplexed anger in her golden eyes. There was a chuckling laughter within earshot as I noticed a few other lions watching from nearby.

'Someone must have found me asleep.' I realized and looked around the patch of bush on the outskirts of the village. However, no one was laying alongside me. Her mother Mafune was nowhere to be seen.

"When did you fall asleep out here?" Bashira continued. "You don't even have your loincloth on." She picked up the garment and held onto it, not intent on returning it to me yet. I wiped my face guiltily, but couldn't manage to say anything under her stern gaze.

"Can't you talk, or were you singing to moon all night?" She continued to gently berate me. Despite the harshness in her tone, there was no anger in Bashira's voice. I knew when to be afraid of my mate's anger, which was thankfully very seldom. She was giving me an innocent way out.

"Come on." She half grinned and helped me to my feet, but I wasn't entirely prepared for sudden movement yet.

"Ack. Wait. Slow down!" I yelped only to shut my mouth feeling how sore my jaw and mouth were. My legs strained to stand properly, but a firm hand pulled me up anyway.

"Come rest the morning at home." She said and placed an arm around my shoulders.

"O-okay." I managed to say, but felt relief that no one knew what had happened. I glanced around at the smiling and giggling feline faces. The brief walk of shame in the buff was a small price to pay to keep last night's secret intact.

A puddle from a recent morning rain rippled as I narrowly avoided stepping into it. The ground was soft and farmers earnestly began toiling in the soil to plant a variety of crops close to the river.

'My legs don't feel sore anymore.' I thought as I balanced myself so I would not slip. As I passed by several huts I could hear singing from a few lionesses. I couldn't make out the words, but it was a joyful tune marking the season of plenty. I saw a cub darting out from around one hut, dragging a large bone behind him. Everyone was still in a good mood from the successful hunt and rains. I reached my hut and crept inside.

"I'm back." I looked up and saw Bashira grinning as I entered our humble home. "Mafune?" I was surprised to find my mate and her mother sitting together. They had been talking for some time apparently. She was dressed modestly, wearing a few bone necklaces and simple bracelets. By comparison, Bashira wasn't even dressed yet, save for a leather armband.

"You're back. We were just talking about you." Bashira waved a hand.

"I hope nothing bad was spoken." I gulped, but ultimately joined them.

"No, nothing bad was spoken about you." Mafune grinned.

'That's a relief!' I mentally sighed.

"My mom doesn't think poorly of you." My mate reassured me with a pat on my shoulder.

"That's good..." I mumbled and tried not to think about what happened that night.

"You have a good mate, Bashira." Mafune praised me. "I just mentioned that you are very attentive and never give up." She affirmed. "I never thought humans could be so passionate."

"Mom, I don't need to hear all of those details." Bashira politely looked away in annoyance. "I already know what you two did the moment I found him asleep in the bushes." They both turned to look at me. My eyes widened and face froze as I suddenly realized my mate knew what had happened all along. Bashira wore a wide smile as her mother laughed at my dumbfounded facial expression.

"Umm..." I blew a heated sigh feeling my cheeks redden, but the clicking of her bone necklace mingling with her aged laughter was all that I could hear...