SCENE:  THE SCORE IS ANNOUNCED


	For the tenth time that hour, Tanabi asked his father if 
he'd caught sight of the returning hunting party.  He wished that 
he could sit out on the point of Pride Rock, but he was being 
coached on what to do by Rafiki in the quiet of the cave where he 
was born.  Zazu could not see well at night, and only Simba had 
time to scan the horizon for the flakes of tan.
	"Do you think they will be back soon?" Tanabi asked.
	Simba came down off the point and went to his son.  "Look 
here, Tanabi.  I tell you what I'll do.  You let me sit out there 
and watch in peace without one more word, and when I see her, I'll 
arrange a quick, private ceremony as soon as she comes in.  It 
will be our secret.  There will still be a public ceremony 
tomorrow, but by then you should be in a very good mood.  You 
understand?"
	Simba went back to the point on the rock and sat back on the 
warm spot he'd made.  It was still rather comfortable.
	"Dad?"
	"What is it now, son?"
	"Thank you."
	Simba smiled.  "You're quite welcome."  He wanted his son's 
mantlement to be everything that his was not.  Timon and Pumbaa 
had been the only ones to witness Simba's coming of age, and they 
did what they could to make it a happy time for their young 
friend.  The Pride Lands had not seen a real royal mantlement 
ceremony conducted the way they should be done for years, since 
Ahadi had first sprouted that ruff of fur.  The blessing was not 
just on the lion being honored.  It was a blessing on all who 
flew, walked or swam.  It was the reason why those who fear lions 
still loved and venerated the Lion King.  He was the one through 
whom the blessings of the gods came to all.  Those who came to the 
mantlement ceremony would crowd around hoping to touch that mane 
and derive strength from it, strength they would pass on to their 
own offspring.
	Perhaps Simba was anxious to make sure this would make the 
gods happy and make up for all the years missed.  But he was also 
anxious that his son be happy.  He spotted the lionesses returning 
from the hunt.  "Look, it's them!" Simba said, prancing like a 
cub.  "Tanabi, did you hear??"
	Tanabi came bounding out of the cave.  The two lions met in 
the middle of Pride Rock and wrestled like a couple of kittens.  
"Getting to big for your mother's milk, eh?"
	"You're just jealous."
	"I could still make you wait till tomorrow."
	"Father!"
	"Go greet her, my son.  Bring her here.  Remember, I get to 
kiss her first."
	Tanabi got off, shook the dust off what mane he had, and 
headed quickly down the side of Pride Rock.  "Just wait till I 
tell her," Tanabi thought as he forded through the grassland like 
a ship on silver seas.  Their eyes shone green and gold in the 
moonlight.  Two were the lights of his beloved.  "Misha!  Misha, 
dearest!  It's me!"
	Uzuri passed him without looking up, a glum expression on 
her face.  Isha shook her head as if to say "Don't ask."  Then 
came Misha behind her, her head bowed, and a dusty footprint on 
her swollen shoulder.
	"Misha?"
	Misha looked at him silently, then burst into tears.
	"It is better you go now," Uzuri counseled.  "She will hunt 
again soon."
	By the time they got back to Pride Rock, there was no need 
to tell Simba what had happened.  "I have given Zazu clear 
orders," Simba softly purred to his son.  "He is to be your 
chaperone till Misha makes her first kill.  I trust you, but we 
must silence the gossip before it starts."



SCENE:  THE CEREMONY


	"I speak the words of Aiheu the Beautiful who breathed into 
our nostrils the breath of life:  Come, let my children grow in 
grace and stature, and let my gift of life endure from generation 
to generation as long as the sun shall rise and set.  And I place 
a sign among you that my favor endures forever."  

                  -- THE LEONINE STORY OF BEGINNINGS, Variation D-4-A

	It was to be a mantlement ceremony as held in the days of 
old.  All of the celebrations would be strictly observed, 
including the one day moratorium on hunting that allows the 
animals of the Pride Lands to celebrate the prince's good fortune.  
Even the cheetahs and leopards were expected to abstain from 
blood, something that was probably unpopular with them, but they 
carried themselves with too much dignity and too little strength 
to complain.  Misha was depressed.  There would be no hunt that 
night for her to prove herself.  Indeed, after a careful 
examination, Rafiki told her she would be off the hunt for at 
least a week.
	To lift her flagging spirits, Nala asked her to sit with her 
during the mantlement ceremony.  It was a place reserved for a 
sister or, had things gone well, an announced mate.  Nala knew 
what Simba would never know--she had turned down the gift of 
another's blood.  Nala respected her, and even considered pleading 
for an exemption so she could be wed on what should have been her 
son's perfect day.  But as Simba reminded her, it was not just a 
custom, but a religious custom designed to protect the young and 
inexperienced.
	The morning of the ceremony, space close to the rock was at 
a premium.  The elephants and zebras came in close, followed 
shortly by the buffaloes and gazelles.  The giraffes said they 
didn't mind being in the back because they were tall, but it was 
clearly noted that they fought their way forward over the course 
of a quarter hour until they were almost to the elephants.
	Zazu stood on the tip of Pride Rock and looked over the huge 
assemblage.  The speech he'd planned to make once for Mufasa came 
to mind the way Ahadi and Makedde had taught him and Rafiki had 
rehearsed him.  He spread his wings, and the crowd came to a 
startlingly quick hush.  Such was the power of the King and his 
representatives.
	"I speak the words of Aiheu the Beautiful who breathed into 
our nostrils the breath of life:  Come, let my children grow in 
grace and stature, and let my gift of life endure from generation 
to generation as long as the sun shall rise and set.  And I place 
a sign among you that my favor endures forever."  
	Zazu, deeply moved, added, "Listen well, all of you.  The 
sign has appeared once more on Prince Tanabi, the true son of the 
King.  The gods have remembered us through him."
	Tanabi came forward.  At the sight of his new mane, short as 
it was, the crowd bowed deeply in silence.  The sight of so many 
standing so quietly was unnerving.  For a moment, he forgot about 
his troubles and straightened with pride.
	Simba stood beside him to give the blessing.  "Great are you 
Aiheu, father of all races.  Anoint Tanabi, your chosen servant 
with the blood of mercy and rain of love.  Fill him with the wind 
of freedom.  Stand his feet on the soil of faith.  Shine upon him 
with the light of knowledge.  And through him, bless all flesh 
that holds you dear."
	Quietly, Misha whispered, "And let him know how much I love 
him."
	Nala touched her cheek with her tongue.  "He knows, Honey 
Tree.  He knows."
	The ceremony, and Tanabi's speech, was not rushed.  There 
was no need.  And for those who would read the Chronicles of the 
Pride, the particulars are worth the effort.  But Misha did not 
pay much attention.  She was depressed, and after all the grand 
speeches and blessings were over, she slunk away silently to mope.  
Tanabi started to follow her, but was advised to give her some 
time alone.
	That night, when the crowds were gone and quiet reigned once 
more, Tanabi looked out across the Pride Lands.  "It is peaceful.  
Just for tonight there is no fear in any heart."  He looked at 
Simba with a half smile.  A zebra colt walked right up to me.  He 
asked me what I was.  Can you believe he didn't know what a lion 
was?"
	"He came to you in his innocence.  Remember that moment," 
Simba said.  "They have thoughts and feelings too.  You must 
remember that zebra and never hunt for sport or kill cruelly.  
Son, I might have been born a Zebra, or an antelope.  I would have 
loved my child no less than I love you here and now."
	"So after all is said and done, it's all a matter of luck, 
isn't it?"
	"That, yes.  But we may go beyond luck through faith and 
courage, and rise to the challenge.  Misha's love is courageous, 
and in time it will overcome all challenges.  All she needs is to 
build her faith.  You must help her believe in herself.  You must 
believe in her."
	"I wasn't talking about her,"  Tanabi objected, but then he 
sighed deeply.  "Who am I trying to fool."



SCENE:  THE THREE OF US


	Early the next morning, Tanabi showed up at Misha's den.  
"Good morning, Misha.  It's a fine time for a walk--just the three 
of us."
	"It IS lovely this time in the morning," Zazu said in a very 
upbeat voice.  "Misha, you know what Rafiki said about your 
shoulder.  Let's start out with a nice short walk--loosen up the 
old muscles and put the spring back in your step."
	"Anything to get back in the hunt," Misha said tiredly.  She 
stretched, wincing briefly as her shoulder pain flared up.
	They walked away from Pride Rock, down the path to the 
watering hole.  Though the ban was lifted, most animals kept only 
a convenient distance between themselves and a pair of talkative 
lions on an early morning stroll.  Tanabi looked at a herd of 
skittish zebras, wondering if one of them was the colt he met the 
day before.  "It's a shame we can't have a truce more often."
	"Like today, perhaps?"
	"Heavens, no!"  He whispered to her, "Every day without you 
is an eternity."
	"I think about you all the time," Misha whispered back.
	"I will wait for you, Misha.  As long as it takes, I swear 
it."
	"Don't make promises you might not be able to keep.  I may 
not be any good at hunting, and you will come to forget me."
	"You only have to be good once.  I will never forget you.  
Your love is in the bones of me."
	"Would you really wait for me, Tanabi?"
	"I've always waited for you, haven't I?"
	"I hear you love birds whispering down there," Zazu said.  
"I hope it's not some sort of plan."
	"Matter of fact it is a sort of plan," Simba said.  "A plan 
to get her well again."
	Zazu fluttered down and lit on Tanabi's backbone.  The 
smooth lion tread swayed Zazu ever so gently as he perched there.  
"Your Highness, I do sympathize.  We hornbills have some rather 
ridiculous mating rituals too."
	"Are you saying our laws are ridiculous?"
	"Oh no, Your Highness.  Just that while I'm not a good judge 
of lion beauty, I know a natural pair when I see one.  When a 
hornbill and his mate are that struck on each other, all it takes 
are a few flutters and squawks--no more than a dozen or so--to 
cinch the deal."
	"Flutters and squawks?"
	"You know...."  Zazu flapped his wings quickly, shook his 
tail feathers and went, "Squ-WAWK!  Squ-WAWK!"
	Misha laughed.  "So that's what woke me up this morning!"
	"Heavens, no!"  Zazu folded his wings indignantly.  "Madam, 
I am more discrete with my private life than the neighborhood 
riffraff.  Where I come from...."
	Misha's ears snapped to attention.  She froze in her tracks.
	"What's up?" Zazu asked.
	"Hssssh!"
	There was a rumbling.  The ground tremored expectantly.  
Seconds later, a group of antelope came bursting from the thicket 
and charging blindly toward them.  Zazu had to fly hard and fast 
get out of the way.  From the air, he could just see the lionesses 
that started the stampede.  "This sort of thing doesn't go on in 
the morning.  What are they trying to do?"
	Misha and Tanabi ran to intercept one of the antelopes.  She 
was so close to one that she could almost touch it, but her 
shoulder was hurt, and she was in pain.  She was beginning to lose 
ground, and afraid of another injury.  "Help me, gods!  I need a 
miracle!"
	Just then, claws and feathers came at the face of the 
antelope.  Panicked, it tried to stop and go back the other way.  
Again, the hornbill flew right in its face.  "Out of my way, 
fool!"
	Misha's strong jaws closed around its throat.  It was soon 
over.
	Shortly after, the other lionesses arrived.  "Well well, 
look who got her first kill!"  Uzuri took some of the blood from 
the body on her paw and touched her own cheek, then Misha's.  
"Warn them a lioness is on the prowl!"
	The lionesses roared, sending a flock of flamingos 
scattering in pink disarray.  Elephants trumpeted in surprise and 
headed back toward the cover of the trees.
	Zazu was walking unsteadily on the ground.  "Oh gods, I 
think I'm going to be sick."  There was a sound of hide being 
stripped from the abdomen.  Zazu glanced for an instant at the 
open hole and turned quickly away.  "Yes, I'm sick!"
	"Zazu!"  Tanabi ran over.  "Zazu, you old son of a gun!  
Good work!"
	"Good?  You call that good?"  He nearly wretched.  "Never 
tell anyone I helped in this disgusting spectacle.  I'll never 
admit to it.  I always keep myself as far away from blood as 
possible!"
	"He's trying to thank you," Misha said.  "It was very noble 
of you, Zazu.  In a way, it makes you a sort of...well..."
	"Please don't say honorary lioness," Zazu replied, staring 
at her bloody cheek.  "I don't look good in red."
	"No, I meant hero."
	"Hero?  Me?"  Zazu bowed with a flourish.  "Pardon my 
manners--you're both quite welcome.  It was the least I could do 
under the circumstances.  All in a day's work, you know.  And 
since you won't be needing a chaperone, I'll leave you alone.  Be 
good, now."
	Zazu flew away, but Tanabi and Misha were not alone by any 
means.  The other lionesses stood about smiling, the sort of smile 
that made Tanabi feel shaved of all his fur.  "Ladies, don't you 
have somewhere to go?  Huh??  Well find someplace.  Scat!  Shoo!"
	"Oooh, they want to be alone!" one of the lionesses said, 
coyly.  It started a chorus of giggles.
	"Talk about ingratitude," one of them chimed.  "I don't have 
to hang around here and take this abuse.  I'm leaving."
	Misha watched them go slowly into the tall grass.  "Tanabi, 
they helped us.  Do you really think that was the right thing to 
do?"
	"Yes, Honey Tree.  And I'd do it again."
	She nuzzled him.  "Just checking."


SCENE:  BEFORE THE ASSEMBLED HOST


	"And when the mane comes forth the gods expect certain 
things of a lion.  He shall be tested by the wilderness, and if he 
is found worthy, he shall become a King."

                       -- WISDOMS OF JABANI

	Isha's son Habusu was more than a best friend of Tanabi.  He 
was in every way a brother.  Because of this, and the strong 
feelings engendered by the kidnapping, there were many reasons why 
Simba did not want to lose Habusu.
	Still he had the obligation to do something concerning 
Habusu since his mane was fully grown and he was well past his 
second birthday.
	Each moon, Simba would make a sacrifice to Aiheu and pray 
that the gods would permit him a little more time.  Just why he 
did this, and how long he expected to keep it up he would not say.
	Finally, when Zazu came flying in excitedly with news from 
outside the kingdom, Simba called the whole Pride together from 
the oldest to the youngest.  "It's happening!"
	"What's happening??" Sarafina asked
	"You'll see!"
	Isha came out to see what the commotion was about.  Simba 
nuzzled her warmly.  "Isha, I want you, Mabatu and Miss Priss to 
come with me.  We're having a Pride Moot at the eastern meadow. 
And your family will sit by me."
	"I'm honored."  She looked at him worriedly.  "Is today the 
day I lose him?  I'm supposed to get two days notice."
	"You will never lose him.  I swear."
	"But the gods?"
	"The gods will rejoice."
	"It's him, isn't it.  He's come back for me?"
	Simba smiled broadly.  "I'll give you two guesses."
	Isha's face beamed with joy.  She nuzzled Simba and 
annointed his mane with her tears.  "Bless you.  Bless you!"
	"Now now," Simba cautioned, rubbing her gently with his paw.  
"You don't want to smell like another lion when your husband 
comes."
	When the Pride had gathered on the eastern meadow, there was 
a lot of speculation what would happen.  Most of them had heard 
rumors that Simba planned a special mantlement ceremony for Habusu 
that was only rarely performed.  The others thought Rafiki had 
found a reason for Habusu to stay, and perhaps be the Prince 
Consort.  They were expecting adoption proceedings.  But whatever 
they thought, they waited silently and all eyes were on Habusu.
	Several minutes passed.  Simba waited patiently, erect, and 
as long as he sat there, no one would stir.  A few cubs played in 
the grass, but as long as they kept it quiet no one seemed to 
mind.  But the adults and older youth sat stock still, waiting for 
Simba to give the word to begin.
	An hour passed.  Many of the lions were very restless.  
Would Simba ever say, "Begin"?
	Then Zazu broke the monotony.  "Here he is!"
	A large, shapely lion with a rich, dark mane came out of the 
shadows.  "Isn't he handsome!" one of the lionesses whispered.
	The stranger looked at Kako and said quietly, "Mother."
	Kako left the ranks and covered the space that separated 
them, putting her arm over his shoulder and nuzzling him.  "My 
son, my son!"
	So this was the heir to Taka's kingdom, the son that had 
returned.  Many of the lionesses stared at what the adolescent had 
become.  The miracle of his maturity was all the greater because 
it was not seen unfolding day by day.
	Kissing his mother, Mabatu gently led her aside, then went 
to Simba.  Falling down before him, he said, "I touch your mane."
	"I feel it."
	"And what brings you to my kingdom?"
	"I come to claim what is mine-if she still wants me."
	"Yes, yes, YES!!"  Isha sprang forward and raising on her 
hind legs wrapped her arms around his neck, pawing him and 
nuzzling him.  "I'm yours forever!"
	At this, all semblance of order was lost.  "Big boy, you're 
in for some loving tonight!" Sarafina cried.
	"I'm the real Isha!" Ajenti shouted.  "She's an imposter!  
Take me, take me!"
	"Way to go, Isha!  If you get tired, send him my way!"
	"Enough of this," Simba said, calling for order.  "Can't you 
see they have unfinished business?"
	"Can we watch?" Sarafina said.
	"Shame on you, Fini."  Simba had to chuckle at that remark.
	In the calm that followed, Mabatu beheld his son for the 
first time.  "So this is Habusu.  He is my son, and the one true 
heir."  He nuzzled Habu and added, "It is a small kingdom.  I 
share it with an old lion who lost a challenge.  We are a matched 
pair, a sunrise and a sunset.  But he is a dear friend, and you 
will grow to love him."
	Lisani came up and nuzzled her mother.
	"And who is this?"
	"Lisani, but we call her Miss Priss.  Beesa's daughter.  My 
sister died some time ago."  Isha looked at her compassionately.  
"What do you want to do, Miss Priss?"
	"I want to go wherever you go.  But the nickname stays here, 
OK?"
	Mabatu smiled.  "Fair enough, Lisani.  I guess that makes 
five of us."
	"You're taking two of my best lionesses, and a second son," 
Simba said.  "You better leave before I change my mind."
	"Three of your best lionesses," Kako said with little 
modesty but great effect.  "Someone has to make sure my son is 
eating right.  And my daughter."
	And so it was that the visitor from the east went back the 
way she came, taking her mystery with her.  But this time she was 
surrounded by the love of her own family.
	

IN CLOSING


	"The anger of Duma was kindled, and he swore a mighty oath 
that Obade should die.  And he said, `Milk and mud are easily 
mixed, but once together, who shall separate them?  Thus is the 
oath mixed with my blood, and only spilling my blood can release 
me.'  But Aiheu rebuked him saying `I am the Lord who made the 
soil and made the mother's milk.  And to those I anoint comes the 
power to separate mud from milk, that they may also separate 
foolishness from righteousness.  What mother would vow to give her 
cub mud instead of milk?  How then shall you vow to slay your 
brother when it is evil?'"

                -- LEONID SAGA, "J" SECTION, VARIATION 2

	Sarabi was stirred from sleep by a gentle but firm paw.  She 
opened her eyes, but seeing the darkness of her cave grunted and 
closed them again.
	"Sarabi," a lion called gently.  She started.  "Sarabi, over 
here."
	She looked around, and standing before her was her heart's 
desire.  "Mufasa!"
	Mufasa went to her, nuzzled her and kissed away her tears.  
"My love."
	"Don't leave me, Muffy!  Stay here, my love.  Stay."
	"I can't stay long."
	Sarabi's eyes began to well up with tears.  "How long then?  
A day?  An hour?"  She spoke in a whisper-"Another minute?"
	"Long enough to take you with me."
	She touched him with her tongue.  He felt warm and alive, 
not like a ghostly spirit.  "Will it hurt?"
	"Turn around, Sarabi.  Tell me what you see."
	She looked over her shoulder and there on the ground was a 
sleeping lioness.  Only she was not asleep.
	"We are already together, Sassie."
	For many moments, all they could do was share their joy, 
playing like cubs, nuzzling and planting warm lion kisses.  Then 
Mufasa called in a lioness, one whose face was strange and yet 
familiar.  "Shanni, this is your mother."
	"Shanni?"  Sarabi looked at her closely.  "Such a lioness, 
now?  And so beautiful."
	"Like her mother," Mufasa said with a smile.  And yet in the 
ocean depth of their joy, one small thing appeared to trouble 
Mufasa-something evident now that Ka could face another Ka and 
thought became reality.
	"What's wrong?  You are worried, my husband?"
	"Another old friend waits for you.  Someone who's afraid to 
say hello."
	Sheepishly, into the entrance of the cave strode a lion of 
lesser build but great beauty.  The depth of his love and humility 
gave back to his face the lost innocence of his cubhood and washed 
away the hardness of his former life.  "Muffy, have you told her 
about me?"
	Sarabi stared at Taka.  "It's you."
	Taka's ears drooped and his tail hung limply.  "What was I 
thinking coming here."  He started back out of the cave.
	"Wait."
	Sarabi went to Taka and looked into his eyes.  "Look at me."
	Taka looked away and shuddered.  "Do not pity me.  Even in 
death I cannot bear it."
	Sarabi took her paw and turned Taka to face her.  "Look at 
me."
	He opened his eyes and looked into hers.  "I see the same 
old Taka that used to pull my tail when I wasn't looking."  She 
smiled.  "You have found peace.  I often prayed that you would."  
She nuzzled him and kissed his sad face.
	Taka felt warm tears run down his cheeks.  "Look Muffy, when 
she cries she is so beautiful.  Isn't she beautiful, Muffy?"
	Mufasa smiled.  "Sarabi, you are beautiful.  Come on, my 
friends.  Let's show her around."


	Aiheu is wonderful, He knows the pain you bear,
	And He will grant a share of comfort in the night;
	The ones you hold most dear, His hand will hold most near,
	Until you see them clear in His eternal light.

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