username; Cactologist
lion name; Ukwazi ("Knowing" in Zulu)
lion gender; Male
pride; Ukusizana Pride
pride status; Lorekeeper
What is this Lion(ess) Companion ; Despite his loud appearance, Ukwazi was always quieter than all of his fellow cubs. In fact, when he was born he was thought to be mute, but he just preferred to speak only when necessary. Still, though, he was made fun of and called simple and dumb. Little did they know, though, that he possessed the extraordinary ability to communicate with all other species. Through it all, he remained silent about his secret, absorbing it all.
One day when Ukwazi was wandering through the forest as an escape, he came across a newly fallen tree. Young, desperate cries of help squeaked from the branches. Although he was still young, he was able to move the log enough to uncover a busted up nest, formerly the home of a family of Spotted Eagle-Owls. While most of the down-feathered bodies were still, the head of one peaked out of the wreckage. Knowing what he had to do, he carefully lifted the chick from the rubble and placed him in his mane. Obviously he couldn't show anyone or his new friend would perish, but he found pleasure in feeding the baby and helping him grow, hiding him in a bush not far from his den. While the owl had never been given a proper name, Ukwazi came to know him as Umngani, or "friend." As the bird's grey feathers changed into a brilliant reddish-brown, Ukwazi developed a strong bond unlike any he'd ever had with a lion with this unlikely acquaintance. Instead of flying away when he came of age, Umngani stayed, vowing to always be there for Ukwazi as Ukwazi had been for him. Soon he became a recognized member of the pride, helping Ukwazi in his new role of Lorekeeper and teaching him to use his voice.
296 / 300 words
lion name; Ukwazi ("Knowing" in Zulu)
lion gender; Male
pride; Ukusizana Pride
pride status; Lorekeeper
What is this Lion(ess) Companion ; Despite his loud appearance, Ukwazi was always quieter than all of his fellow cubs. In fact, when he was born he was thought to be mute, but he just preferred to speak only when necessary. Still, though, he was made fun of and called simple and dumb. Little did they know, though, that he possessed the extraordinary ability to communicate with all other species. Through it all, he remained silent about his secret, absorbing it all.
One day when Ukwazi was wandering through the forest as an escape, he came across a newly fallen tree. Young, desperate cries of help squeaked from the branches. Although he was still young, he was able to move the log enough to uncover a busted up nest, formerly the home of a family of Spotted Eagle-Owls. While most of the down-feathered bodies were still, the head of one peaked out of the wreckage. Knowing what he had to do, he carefully lifted the chick from the rubble and placed him in his mane. Obviously he couldn't show anyone or his new friend would perish, but he found pleasure in feeding the baby and helping him grow, hiding him in a bush not far from his den. While the owl had never been given a proper name, Ukwazi came to know him as Umngani, or "friend." As the bird's grey feathers changed into a brilliant reddish-brown, Ukwazi developed a strong bond unlike any he'd ever had with a lion with this unlikely acquaintance. Instead of flying away when he came of age, Umngani stayed, vowing to always be there for Ukwazi as Ukwazi had been for him. Soon he became a recognized member of the pride, helping Ukwazi in his new role of Lorekeeper and teaching him to use his voice.
296 / 300 words