Sunset on the Savannah

Story by danath on SoFurry

, , , , , ,


This is an older story... not too old, though, I guess. Wrote it with a lot of help from a good friend, Vishki.

* * *

Jahkib surveyed his village proudly. The crimson sun set behind him as the tall, powerfully-built lion stood on the high rocks to the west of the peaceful hamlet. He could see children running through the crop fields near the mud and clay brick huts that housed his people. The chieftain's body, framed by the last rays of the fading sun, cast a shadow down to the bottom of the tall rock pile as he enjoyed the last moments of heat.

The blistering day would soon fade to a cool night, he knew, and his duties as chieftain would soon come upon him. He led the tribe, fought for the tribe, and protected the tribe from the others. They looked up to him, he knew. His people needed him, and he needed them just as much. They provided him with his purpose and drive.

Jahkib presented a fearsome sight, to those who did not know him well. His long, lush mane, a deep, earthy brown, waved around his strongly leonine face as he gazed down proudly at his village. His bare chest, solid with muscle and energy, rose slowly as he breathed in the musky scent of the earth his people guarded. His stomach, taut with abs, was deeply lined with the ridges of muscle developed over years of living on the oftentimes unforgiving land his people inherited throughout the ages.

A simple loincloth was his only conceit to modesty, held around his waist by a thick cord of woven fiber. The tanned leather blended into the sharply golden fur on his body. A fearsome looking bone knife hung from his shoulder off a strap tied from his shoulder to his waist and around his backside. His paw tightened on his staff as he leaned on it lightly, shifting his feet comfortably as he rested his frame. Powerful legs -- incredibly powerful -- extended below the short loincloth, which did little to hide his full and firm maleness, large even for those of his kind. The loincloth served as a restraint to keep his maleness from flopping around wildly than modesty more often than not.

"JahkIB: How goes the sun?"

The powerful lion turned and smiled. "Hello, Nilla. The sun goes as it always does." He kissed his friend on the cheeks as she approached him. She was built similar to the chief: full, powerful chest and arms and legs, wide stance. She wore no covering over her rich, full breasts, leaving them exposed. They embraced, both purring as they greeted each other with traditional nips to the shoulders and neck.

"Jahkib, we were wondering how long you would stand up here, watching all of us down there."

The lion chieftain smiled at the lioness. "I only watch to make sure it won't disappear in front of my eyes. I can hardly believe how fortunate I am, to have all this."

Nilla put an arm around Jahkib and slid close to him. "Jahkib, what we have we owe to you." She leaned her head on his shoulder and purred softly slowly rubbing his lower back. "Now, come down with me. The other lionesses are eager to greet you."

They walked down the rocks together, picking their way along the path worn into the stones. They walked over the small creek that ran along the bottom, enjoying the cool water across their feet.

Jahkib couldn't help but smile as they walked along. Youngsters ran around them, chasing each other through the brush. Too soon, Jahkib thought, the young males will leave, off to form their own tribes. He sighed. He loved his sons, and didn't want to see them go. Still, young males were territorial and aggressive, and it was best they went off to cultivate their own families. Besides that, only a few were bred with each generation. The number of males born was always low, for some reason. Males were treasured, then, because of their rarity. Though none of the young males in his tribe now were actually his children, he still felt protective of them. Tradition demanded that all tribes send away mothers of male cubs to join another tribe. Oftentimes the mother would separate from her young male cub and return immediately, but sometimes she would stay and raise the child in a new tribe. Though hard to let go of the mothers and cubs, Jahkib knew the importance of the tradition -- it kept the bloodline

s fresh and strong among all the tribes.

The females of the tribes were treasured as much as the males and treated as equals. The harshness of the Serengeti did not play favorites, so why should the tribe hierarchy? The lion-women formed the core, the backbone of every tribe, and as such, were accorded much respect by the few males who led them. Though there was only one adult male per tribe, he was the leader of the rest, the one who was charged with protecting the tribe and keeping them safe. Every tribe was only comprised of a dozen and a half or two dozen adults with any number of young, so finding good ground was a priority for any young male. Fights were common among both males and females for the honor and right to control land, and though regrettable, the harsh realities of the Serengeti forced some way of controlling populations.

Jahkib shook his head as they hey approached the central lodge, where the tribe would gather for the evening. Enough for those deep thoughts later, he decided.

The tribe often slept communally, not needing privacy between themselves, though families with young ones would retire to the outlying huts to take care of the young. Older matrons would help with the children.

They entered the hut just as the last rays of sun disappeared from the small valley, leaving the small fires to light the village. Sentries waved before returning to their posts, ready to alert the rest of the tribe to any danger. Though there wasn't much on the Serengeti that could scare the tribe of powerful animals, a stampede could mean danger and death.

The warmth and brightness in the central hut surprised him. A chatter of voices washed over him as he was ushered to a seat near the central fire by Nilla.

"You do remember what day it is, don't you?" Nilla asked, settling down beside him on the dusty floor of the hut. In response to the curious look from Jahkib, she smiled and pressed a paw against his shoulder. "Roga comes of age and leaves us tonight, and his sister Roka comes of age, ready to join the tribe as an adult."

Jahkib nodded. "Silly of me to forget," he said. Roga was on the other side of the hut, surrounded by eager relatives wanting to spend his last hours in the tribe with him. "How's he doing?"

"Same as all the rest," Nilla said, sighing. She draped an arm over his shoulders. "Eager to leave, eager to start a new tribe, eager for dominance and power and respect. They never realize it all has to be earned."

"He'll learn soon enough," Jahkib said, smiling. His paw ran lightly over hers. "And young Roka comes of age, does she?"

"Yes, sire," came the response. "She has been very... eager. She practices all the time."

Jahkib smiled softly. "I can imagine..." His eyes caught the young lioness's gaze as she lounged comfortably with her brother. He smiled to her, and she looked down shyly. "I must say, I am looking forward to this..."

"You should be," Nilla said. "She's a fine young girl. She'll make the tribe stronger."

Jahkib grinned and nipped Nilla's ears. "You make me strong, and I thank you for it, old friend," he whispered into her ear. Turning to the fire, he stood up and raised his arms.

"Friends! The time has come for two of our young to grow up. The moon is gone, the night is warm, and the wind blows to the south."

Shouts and roars of approval greeted his proclamation as Roga stood up slowly. The male was young and powerful. His body was sculpted incredibly, full of muscle, strength, and savage beauty, gained through his years of growing up on the oftentimes unforgiving savannah. He approached Jahkib slowly, keeping his head low as a sign of respect. A raised head, a look in the eye -- it could signal his intent to take the tribe from his chieftain, something he knew he was physically incapable of.

Jahkib put his paws on Roga's shoulders. The two lions looked each other eye to eye, examining for the last time the person who would soon be gone from their lives forever, unless fate was kind enough to allow them to meet again. The young male wandered into the tribe as a cub with his mother and sister, and, as tradition demanded, Jahkib raised the male as one of his own. Jahkib smiled and leaned down.

"I know you'll make me proud," he whispered. "You are strong and powerful. You are the beast that will lead his tribe, guard his females, father children, and protect the lives of your loved ones. But, as much as you lead the women of your tribe, you must also allow yourself to be tamed by them -- remember always that you need them as much as they need you. Moreso, even. You are important, but do not allow pride to destroy you."

Roga looked at him, understanding. "I know, and I will do you right. My tribe will be strong, powerful, and loving, as this one is. I will cherish your memory always."

They clutched each other's shoulders strongly before pressing their foreheads together. Then, without another word, the young male loped out of the room.

All the voices in the hut let out a roar that followed him out into the black night of the Serengeti. He took nothing with him but the memories of his tribe and lessons learned from his only male influence.

As the roars faded back to silence, all that could be heard was the crackling of the fire and the low whispers of prayers for the young male, that he find his tribe and prosper.

Jahkib turned his back to the door. "As tradition demands, any female who wishes to leave our tribe and join with Roga can do so, with honor and dignity. You will face hardships and trials, but Roga is a strong and virile young male. He will be a good leader and a faithful servant to anyone who joins him." Jahkib stopped and smiled. "Please, if you wish to join him, he is waiting."

As expected, two or three young women close to Roga stood up. They approached Jahkib and presented themselves to him. He fondly hugged each one, ceremoniously taking their bared necks in his jaws and squeezing lightly. A good luck blessing for the new tribe members.

Without saying anything, the three left, this time to silence, and loped off, following Roga's trail.

Jahkib sighed and turned around to face his people once more. "I am glad we were the home of one such as Roga," he said quietly. "He will bring us much honor through his actions. It is no small feat to raise a male like him, and you have all been wonderful and loving guardians."

Nilla smiled and, still sitting next to where he stood, reached up and took his paw. "You are the one who is responsible, Jahkib," she said. "You are the one who has made us into a true pride."

Jahkib smiled at Nilla and nodded. "Thank you, Nilla. Now," he said, looking at Roka, "I believe that we are here to also celebrate a new lioness's ascent to adulthood."

Roka nervously stood and walked towards the fire. She was young, but old enough now to become an adult in the tribe. Her body was shorter than usual, and her fur longer than average. She carried herself easily, however, and her body was in the same incredible shape as the rest of the tribe. Her full, heavy breasts, young and ready for motherhood, were framed by stocky shoulders and a more slender waist. Her loincloth fluttered as she walked towards them, tail flicking anxiously behind her as she made her way to Jahkib.

Jahkib drew his bone knife from its sheath slowly and held it loosely at his side. Roka approached him slowly, head bowed low as the other tribe members moved backwards, clearing a space for them.

"Roka, are you ready to become one with the tribe? To become a full lioness, equal to the rest, responsible for the health and protection and lives of all around you?"

Roka nodded, too nervous to speak, and held up her paws, palms up. She fell to her knees and leaned her head back in a show of submissiveness. She was not showing herself to be submissive to him, but to the tribe -- Jahkib was the avatar.

Jahkib nodded. "Then you will be one of us tonight, Roka. You will no longer be Roka-tof, the cub," he said, using the tradition suffix that denoted childhood. "You will be Roka-toz, the adult." He brought the knife up and held it to his finger. Cutting in slightly till a few drops of blood forms at the tip of his thumb on the left paw, he then held the knife out to Roka. She did the same and they clasped hands tightly. Jahkib put the knife back in its sheath before pulling Roka up from her kneeling position and into a standing one. He leaned forward to close his jaws tightly around her neck. She went limp, fearful but absolutely trusting as the larger lion's canines pricked her skin.

Releasing her, Jahkib smiled and held her hand to his muzzle. He licked her thumb clean, and released her paw. "You are now one with the pride, Roka-toz," he said, using her ceremonial name again.

Roka trembled slightly as she reached her paws out and held one of Jahkib's. "I am ready," she said.

Jahkib's paw slipped around her backside and he pulled her close, pressing himself against the front side of her body. "You are one of the most beautiful we've seen in a long time," he said quietly so nobody else could hear. "You will bring great honor to the pride."

Roka nodded and pressed herself against him, arms sliding around his shoulders. Her muzzle opened as they kissed and his teeth caught her lip in a gentle nip. Roka's body shivered as the older male lion gripped her waist tightly. His incredible strength was plainly visible in his arms and legs, and she could feel how proud and powerful he was as she ran a paw over the sculpted muscles on his backside.

"You know what to do?" Jahkib asked her quietly.

"I know," she replied softly, eagerly.

With that, she took the knife from his sheath and cut the band of his loincloth. She tossed the knife to the ground, where the point entered into the packed dirt several inches. The pommel wobbled as the young lioness used a claw to remove her own loincloth. A fat sheath, sans testicles, hung between her legs above a moist feminine slit. It was large and full, slowly thickening as the lioness grew excited.

Jahkib calmly lowered himself to the ground, knowing he needed to help the young lion through this. His own fat sheath hung heavily from his waist. The tip of his erection could hardly fit in the skin, though he was still flaccid. A large set of testicles hung lower, covered in creamy white fur, full and firm with the chieftain's seed.

Jahkib lay on his back, legs spread, as Roka followed. The young lioness could hardly contain her excitement as she lay on top of her male, kissing him hard. The rest of the tribe watched intently, eagerly awaiting their turn to experience Roka, as tradition demanded all tribe members do.

Roka's thick shaft quickly pushed from her sheath as she overcame her nervousness and began to lead Jahkib, instead of the other way around. She pushed her hips against his, paws sliding over his hard, muscled chest as he cupped her face gently in his paws and kissed her once more. Their tongues slid together as he felt her pumping her shaft against his stomach.

Looking down, he gazed admirably at her fat, dark ebon stalk. Full and hard now, it arced up from her waist beautifully, a wonderfully male instrument positioned above her more familiar feminine sex and below her large, firm young breasts. Soft, barb-like nubs dotted the shaft below the wide glans, promising increased pleasure for the lion when the lioness took him. Jahkib smiled as he felt the shapely and feminine lioness on top of him draw back, positioning herself more fully between his legs as his own lion-shaft began to appear. Thicker and longer than Roka's, he possessed a cock worthy of his amazingly savage body. It was huge, at least a foot and a half long and thick as his wrist. His heavy, full balls roiled and swelled as Roka paused, staring in amazement at the ebon shaft below her.

She reached out a paw and stroked the length, from tip to base, feeling the smoothness of the skin. Her velvet paw pads gripped the shaft as her eyes widened further, amazed at how hard it felt to her paws.

"Roka," Jahkib whispered. "The tribe grows impatient. Take me now..."

Roka nodded, tearing her eyes away from the huge shaft she never knew Jahkib to possess. Children were not allowed to see pairings, as it was considered an adult privilege. She slid her paws over Jahkib's belly, feeling his hard, smooth muscles, before reaching down to lift up his heavy balls, exposing a tight-looking rump that her cock begged to explore. She pressed forward, pushing the tip of her erection against the male's tight ring.

Jahkib smiled and leaned back, pulling Roka with him. His huge erection slid against her belly and up between her large breasts, the thick barbed nubs rubbing silkily against her soft fur.

"Take me now, young one," Jahkib said, encouraging her.

Roka closed her eyes as she pushed in hard, sliding her thick length deeply into Jahkib's body. The experienced lion relaxed, groaning as he felt her heavy length stretch him and fill him up. He gripped her backside tightly as she started to thrust quickly, growing too eager.

"Easy, easy," he said, stroking her ears. "Make it last..." His hips moved against her as she slowed, groaning and moaning and mewling with pleasure.

She clutched herself to him, muzzle buried in the crook of his shoulder and neck. Her claws pricked his arms tightly as she pushed herself in and out.

Jahkib smiled when he felt another pair of paws stroking his ears. He looked up at Nilla and smiled broadly, nodding to her. The lioness kneeled besides the two intimate lions, slowly running her paws over Roka's backside, relaxing the big cat as she pumped her hips in and out of the willing male beneath her.

For the chieftain to take of his tribe, he needed also to give, and he gave of himself as much as he took. The initiation showed Roka was an adult as Jahkib accepted her into the tribe by accepting her into his own body. The intimate and loving ceremony was witnessed by all, and followed by more coupling, especially of Roka and Jahkib. Nilla was helping Roka find her way, guiding her as an experienced lioness should.

All too quickly, however, Roka could hold back no longer. With a trembling roar that gradually gained volume, she plunged herself deeply inside Jahkib and arched her back, paws gripping his shoulders. She came hard, her lion-seed filling Jahkib's rump as the lion shuddered, feeling the thick erection throbbing deeply inside of him. Nilla's paws soothed his ears and fur back as his paws tightened on Roka's wrists.

Roka collapsed against him, breathing hard. Chest heaving, he held her closely, arms clamped tightly around her backside. Nilla rubbed her lower back, relaxing her.

"You did well, young one," Jahkib said softly, nipping the tip of her ear. "Now are you ready to accept the tribe?"

Roka nodded mutely, but her eyes lit up as she shifted her hips, sliding her belly against Jahkib's enormous erection. The tall, heavy male smiled and licked her nose. His powerful but surprisingly gentle paws gripped her hips and slowly pushed her out of his body. He shuddered as her thick head popped free and he stood up slowly, helping her to her feet as well as Nilla backed up, knowing the young lioness was doing better now.

"Roka is now willing to accept the tribe," he said, squeezing her waist. "She is ready to become one with us."

Nilla and another female, Kanyi, moved to stand behind Roka. They held onto her shoulders and arms as Jahkib faced her. His huge erection bobbed in the air as her cum dripped down the back of his legs. His heavy erection dribbled thick pre-cum, having been aroused so much by the sensual lovemaking just finished. He grinned and reached down to grasp her thighs, and then pull her up, lifting her off the ground. More tribe members approached, helping to stabilize her as she was held in the air. Jahkib's thick glans pressed against her feminine sex, parting the folds slightly, as the lion began to push in slowly.

Paws tightened around Roka's body as she felt the lion enter her. Impossibly long and incredibly thick, she moaned and writhed as more paws stroked and cuddled and held her body. Jahkib's paws gripped her legs tightly as she wrapped them around his backside, locking her ankles for support as he slowly worked his way into her body. Inch after inch of thick, smooth, warm lion-shaft pushed insistently into her body.

Her powerful legs held him tightly as he grew rougher with his movements, lust building as his powerful male cock embedded itself inside her writhing body. With a grunt, he shoved himself in, hilting himself inside of her. She groaned at the feeling of those thick barbs teasing her walls as her own heavy erection grew to fullness once more. Eager paws stroked her breasts and shaft, sending more pleasure through her, as heavy erections dropped from the sheaths of all the females present and a heady musk invaded the senses of all.

The instinct to mate grew stronger inside Jahkib and he began to slowly thrust in and out of Roka's body. The firelight danced over them, casting shadows along the walls, as the tribe helped Roka become a woman. Her cock sprayed seed once more as Jahkib watched, hips pumping hard now. She came over her stomach and the paws of those supporting her in the air. She was being pushed onto his erection now -- Jahkib hardly had to move at all, but continued to thrust his maleness against her.

He groaned as he felt her body tighten. Her cock did not go down, but continued to stay erect and hard as paws stroked her more. As he shoved himself deeply inside of her, stretching her wide, he squeezed her powerful thighs and moaned again. With a few more sharp thrusts, he came.

Letting his head back, Jahkib let out a roar of pleasure as Roka's eyes widened. She'd never felt anything like this before, and she gazed up at the savage-looking Jahkib with fear and wonder, her paws scrabbling to hold onto Nilla's arms as she felt the powerful orgasm thunder through her body. Jahkib's roar blasted her ears and sent her to trembling even as she felt wave after wave of thick, hot cum blast into her body, outdoing anything she could have done to him earlier. His huge mane shook as his paws gripped her thighs tightly, fierce eyes staring at her directly.

Jahkib's roar faded, but his thrusting did not. If anything, he pounded his hips against her body faster and harder than before. He smiled down at her, heavy mane falling over his shoulders, framing his broad, attractive face. The fire seemed to dance in his eyes as pheromones and lust overcame him and the rest of the tribe, especially the newly sensitive Roka.

Jahkib's second orgasm came quickly. He once more flooded the lioness with warm fluid, pumping thick seed into her body. This time, once finished, he pulled out slowly, scraping his barbs along her inner walls. His cock remained fully hard, smooth to the touch and incredibly pleasing to the eyes.

Roka was set back on her feet and Jahkib smiled, pulling her close as the rest of the tribe pressed in closely. Roka's thick shaft, dwarfed by Jahkib's, pressed together tightly as he leaned down to once more take her throat in his jaws. As the pressure grew, she roared her allegiance, arms and legs rigid. Jahkib's jaws continued to tighten, cutting off her air, before loosening and allowing her to breathe easily. The male lion's heavy breath was loud and rough as he grinned at her, not unkindly, and stroked her hair.

"Roka, choose now," Nilla said, touching her arm gently.

Roka looked around, surprised, and found herself surrounded by the rest of the tribe's females, all with heavy, full cocks and large, swollen breasts. She knew all of them, having been raised by them, but never could imagine how it would be to be one of them. She smiled and looked at Nilla. "I choose you," she said.

Nilla purred loudly as she stepped close. "We will all share in you tonight," she purred into the young lioness's ear. "We will share ourselves, we will share our secrets."

The rest of the lionesses took to pairs or threesomes, pleasuring each other to celebrate the new adult in the tribe. Sex was easy and carefree, a way to show affection and commitment to each other. As Nilla began to slowly ride Roka's shaft, she smiled at Jahkib, who smiled back.

Nilla's paws rested on Roka's shoulders as the younger lioness hugged the more experienced closely. Nilla was kneeling, straddling Roka's hips, raising and lowering hir body over the young lioness's large shaft. Their breasts pressed together as they kissed, deep rumbles emenating from both as they made love slowly and sensually.

Nilla's erection pressed tightly to Roka's belly, throbbing with desire, as she rode up and down, taking Roka's thrusts, meeting them with calm, measured pumps of her hips, showing the younger lioness how to make love in a way that would please both parties.

Roka moaned raggedly, leaning back in Nilla's arms, head tipped back as she grew close to orgasm again. Nilla was impressed with the young lioness's stamina â€" the new initiates were always eager and fresh. Nilla's eyes focused on Roka's sensual, supple neck. Tipped back as it was, a highly submissive position, Nilla leaned forward and grazed her canines over the lioness's throat, unable to resist.

Roka nearly froze solid as she gasped, going rigid. Nilla continued to pump her hips, moving herself up and down Roka's stiff erection, purring as it pressed against her inner walls. Her teeth closed around Roka's neck, squeezing lightly.

Roka gasped, still stiff as a board, unable to relax as long as her sensitive neck was enclosed in Nilla's warm muzzle. Nilla's teeth pricked Roka's skin, tightening further as she pumped her hips down, forcing Roka to hilt inside her. Roka couldn't handle any more and mewled with pleasure as she came inside the older lioness's body.

Jahkib surveyed this tableau, proud of his people. They were sensual, kind, and powerful. Several females approached him, desiring to have his body and affections. He put his arms around two and sat. Another straddled his legs, ready to push herself upon his still massive erection. Another rubbed his backside, her shaft rubbing against his fur. His loud rumbles of contentment were matched by theirs as they celebrated, occasionally glancing to smile at Nilla as he watched her make love to the younger lioness.

Fortunately for Jahkib, male lions were blessed with incredible and unusual stamina. The females still possessed some of this ability, but Jahkib could perform dozens of times in a single night, enough to satisfy all of his tribe. The females could last a long time as well, but often tired before he did. Still, however, there would usually be one or two females who would pleasure him the whole night, taking it upon themselves to see to it that their chieftain was as cared for as they were.

Because Roka was ascending to womanhood, she would be with him later again, he knew. And Nilla would probably be there as well. He shared something special with her, a deeper bond than he shared with the rest of the tribe. It was common, to have a special lover, and Nilla fulfilled him as nobody else could. Her cock, he saw as he watched her entering Roka's body, was long -- almost as long as his, and just as thick. The lioness was on top of Roka now, the younger lioness on all fours, receiving the older lioness and bringing great honor to them both.

Nilla possessed an incredible body, long and supple and toned, with a delicate golden shade of fur and intricately designed tattoos along her arms and back. Her full, firm rump clenched and unclenched as he watched her take the newly inducted young lioness again and again an again.

He was drawn back to his group as one of the lionesses kissed him passionately and another began to draw him forward onto his hands and knees. She slid beneath him, legs wrapping around his waist, and pushed herself onto his massive erection. He pushed forward as well, feeling her thick shaft throbbing against his belly. Another of the females began to push her shaft into his tight rump, spreading out his tail hole as she thrust in time with him. The third and fourth lionesses rubbed his backside and licked his heavy balls, ready to take over for their companions when Jahkib inevitably tired them out.

The lion roared, pleasure coursing through him, not just because of the intensely sensual and sexual activities, but at the knowledge his tribe was safe, secure, and close, and that he was part of it. He was proud and committed and roared his defiance of any who would try to take that away from him or his people.

The celebration carried on deep into the night and into the following morning. Most of the tribe fell asleep, but Jahkib kept Roka and Nilla busy. The powerful male was unusually active, needing to be filled and needing to fill more than usual. His huge, thick stalk never sagged once as he took Roka and Nilla repeatedly, needing to take them again and again to satisfy his primal urges and carnal lust.

His lips wrapped around Nilla's thick teats as he plunged into her, filling her pussy with his huge maleness. The lioness grasped his shoulders, rolling with his movements, encouraging him to suckle her thick teat.

He could tell Nilla was exhausted. Roka was already asleep, rolled onto her side, breath coming slow and deep as she slumbered. His hips pumped deep and long â€" he couldn't stop now, not when he was so close yet again. Jahkib's climax came quickly and he clamped down on his roar, not wanting to disturb the rest of the sleeping lionesses.

Nilla's eyes were heavy as shi stroked his cheek, smiling. "Jahkib..."

"Nilla... sleep now," he said, purring roughly. He leaned down and kissed her deeply, pulling out slowly. Her eyes closed immediately and she fell asleep almost instantly. Jahkib wondered at her devotion and kissed her forehead, feeling deeply grateful for her companionship.

He stood up slowly and stretched his arms. The barest hint of morning would be peeking over the horizon now, he knew. As his erection slowly subsided, satisfied and fulfilled, he slowly left the hut, leaving his sleeping lionesses to their peaceful dreams. He took his thick walking staff in paw and ascended to the top of the hill, scanning the grasslands for any sign of threat or disturbance. There were none.

He would sleep later, during the hot daytime, when the lionesses were up and about. For now, he needed to stay alert, awake, on guard â€" keep them safe and secure. He lowered himself onto his haunches, balancing himself with his staff, and continued to keep a careful vigil as the sun slowly rose over the savannah.