HoneydewHyena's Links
While Karani is definitely the parent he spends most of his time with, Mauka is still close to his birthing parent. The two start practicing for Mauka's first hunt by the time his mane starts growing in, and they also engage in stargazing together quite often. As the cub of a rogue and future wanderer himself, Mauka likes being able to learn navigation from the best teacher he has in Mataka. They share a trusting bond, to the point where Mataka is the first one in the whole pride to know about Mauka's crush in Mzigo's rebellious son.
Mataka is an average parent. Not too overprotective, not too much of a slacker. He is just the exact type of dad that lets you go on adventures with your friends while watching from a safe distance so you can have some fun by yourself while also being available in case of an emergency. His life as a rogue taught him that independence is a valuable skill, and he wants his son to learn that without actually leaving him to his own devices.
Karani respects Mataka, he knows how much he's gone through and greatly sympathizes with him, but they're not particularly close besides their interactions regarding Mauka's upbringing. However, Karani still tries to squeeze in a good word for Maarifa whenever he gets a chance.
Mataka's feelings for Karani dont go beyond gratitude for letting him make a home in his pride and the regular respect he has for the man as co-parents. However, he sees Karani as a rather unorthodox but well-meaning leader. Its no wonder why he would choose him to be the sire of his cubs.
Despite her serious demeanor, Busara deeply appreciates Maarifa's company every once in a while. Great minds think alike, and Busara enjoys planning out strategies and moves for the hunting party with Maarifa. They are also usually seen together when resting, usually talking about several topics that most of the pride doesn't really think about. She is sort of Maarifa's confidant, and she was the second lion that they told about their crush on Andhera, though Busara already had her suspicions beforehand.
Maarifa is undoubtedly Busara's closest companion besides her sister. The two are strategists at heart, though its clear that Busara has the colder mind out of the pair. Regardless, Maarifa enjoy hunting with the older lioness, and is often seen talking with her about new tactics to employ during the hunt.
Mataka always appreciates Maarifa's company, despite not being much of a talker himself. As the pride's newest addition before Mzingo and his cubs, he stays fairly on the sidelines, mostly accompanied by Maarifa and subsequently, their friends. He doesn't seem to realize Maarifa's infatuation with him, too focused on helping the pride and raising his cub.
Maarifa has had their eyes on Mataka since he first joined the pride. Sometimes it's blatantly obvious the crush that they have for the dark lion, at least to anyone on the outside looking in. For now, Maarifa refuses to confess their feelings for their brother's baby papa.
Karani has always been protective of his younger siblings, but Maarifa's attitude made it very clear to his brother that it wouldn't be necessary with him. Still, as the oldest of the litter he is always on the lookout for his siblings and has been very close with them from the start.
As the second oldest cub of the litter, Maarifa has always been close to their older brother Karani. He was the first lion they ever talked to about their feelings of inadequacy and dysphoria. Though Karani didn't understand at first, he was always supportive of them no matter what. As a pridemember Maarifa is often seen as Karani's right-paw lion and tends to bring his brother back to earth when he gets too heated up.
Karani greatly appreciates Ziwa's enthusiasm and charm when the pride's mood is low. He respects her relationship with her mate, but there's no doubt that Ziwa is the lioness that Karani likes to spend the most time with. Platonically, of course, despite having 2 cubs together.
Ziwa always appreciates Karani's visit, and the two cubs they have together are always a good excuse to hang out with him and her wife. The three get along pretty well, though its usually Karani and Ziwa doing the brunt of the talking. Regardless, the two stay very good friends and Ziwa is usually the first to know anything Karani is thinking.
Being his best friend's wife, Karani is very cordial and respectful towards Windaji. They share a common liking for zebra meat, but that's about it. Regardless, Karani is always happy for the two of them. Besides, Windaji was the first lioness to ask Karani to sire her cubs, so there is a fondness between the two that doesn't seem to disappear with time.
Windaji feels neutral about Karani. When she and her mate first met him, the rogue seemed to her just like any other male, all brawn and little brains. But as they bonded more over the three of them being outcasts, she grew to appreciate the dark lion's help in keeping more dangerous rogues at bay. When the topic of cubs came up with her wife, the two had no trouble deciding who they wanted their donor to be, and so Windaji allowed Karani to breed with her with the only motive being cubs. The two share a rather dry friendship, but Windaji knows she can count on Karani for pretty much anything. Besides, she appreciates having some time to herself when Karani and Ziwa hang out.
Never having been much of an herb-savvy kind of lion, Karani doesn't usually have much to talk about with Farasi. Still he is always thankful for her help when injured, and they have a mutual respect and affection for each other in order to give a good example to their cub
Farasi knows that she cant magically forge a friendship, so she mostly stays cordial with Karani. They make small talk while she heals his wounds as she does with everyone, but they always maintain their respectful aura when it comes to decisions regarding their cub's wellbeing.
Karani has a hard time understanding most of Busara's strategic hunt ramblings, but he respects her and enjoys spending time with her when she's relaxed.
Busara knows Karani (and the rest of the pride, for that matter) arent always on par with her intelligence, but she feels helpful when her plans result in success. She likes spending time with Karani and her pridesisters when theyre not out hunting.
Being the oldest of the two, Busara has always had a good sense of responsibility over those she cares about. However, she is well aware that her sister is capable of managing her own life, so she doesn't bother her as much as when they were cubs. Busara enjoys spending time with her sister whenever she's available, and the two are often seen sharing knowledge on their respective fields of work.
Farasi is grateful for her sister's watchful eye and nurturing care from when they were young, but its true that as adults she hasn't needed her help as much. Still, Farasi never passes up on the opportunity to hang out with her littermate to catch up on news from the hunt or simply have a pleasant conversation.