Lioness Nala

Independent and selective Nala Blog from Disney's The Lion King. Please have a look at the rules and verses! Penned by Sharon.

[lioness-nxla]

Best Friends Stick Together (AU)

[sixba]

lioness-nxla‌:

“I need a word with the Prince.” 

Came Scar’s words as he approached the playing cubs, thus having Simba follow him and promising to catch up with Nala later. A few minutes after they had left, Nala walked around on her own and not long after, she spotted a few Hyenas in the Pride Lands heading in the direction that Scar and Simba had gone in. Telling the King would have been the first thing for Nala to do, but given how far away she was from Pride Rock, heading back wouldn’t be the best idea because what it something bad happened in that time? So, she decided to try and find Scar and Simba instead - because confronting the Hyenas wouldn’t be smart, only stupid and dangerous. So, she searched for the Prince and his Uncle, but to no avail until she heard a strange sound coming from nearby. From the gorge. Was that Simba? Hurrying over, Nala stopped at the edge of the cliff and saw Simba way down at the bottom, wondering why the heck he was way down there and where Scar was. With a deep breath, Nala opened her mouth to yell at him, but her words stopped in her throat when she felt a rumbling beneath her paws, followed by what sounded like…

Her eyes went wide when she saw the wildebeast charging down into the gorge, right towards Simba. “Simba! Run!” Nala called out, but her words weren’t near loud enough for the cub to hear her through the sound of the wildebeasts, but thankfully he finally moved, dashing forward in an attempt to escape the animals. Nala followed suit, running along the cliff’s edge to follow her best friend, thinking of how to help him somehow, but what could she do!? 

She came to a stop when she watched him climb onto a tree, dangling just above the stampede. Then Zazu flew down and seconds later… “Mufasa!” Nala exclaimed in relief, her smile wide as she continued along the the edge of the gorge, trying to find a safe spot to climb down once the stampede was gone, but when she found said area, her view of Simba was blocked by the rocks and dust covering the ground below. She climbed down into the gap on the edge and began to make her descent down the cliff, the stampede seemingly at it’s end what with the noise quieting down as well as the rumble beneath her paws, but that’s when she heard Simba scream, prompting the lioness to hurry down. 

The rush she was now in caused the cub to misstep when leaping over a small gap, tumbling down a few rocks but then catching herself with her claws, pulling herself up to the small ledge and giving her a moment to catch her breath - her heart racing and her paws stinging. But then she heard shouting, even cackling, that she recognized all too well. The hyenas. Did they find Simba!? 

Her concerns were confirmed when she saw her best friend run by below, followed by the three hyenas closing in on him. “Simba, hold on!” Nala tried to call out between her heavy breaths and coughs, but her voice was strained from all of the running and dust she’d been inhaling, but she didn’t dare let that stop her. Nala followed them, running along the edge, through some small tunnels and gaps until she saw the Hyenas right below her, so close behind Simba. Too close.

So, she did the brave thing - she did what Simba did for her when the Hyenas almost caught her: she jumped from the ledge she was on and, with her claws out, landed right on top of Shenzi’s head which made the hyena cry out in pain, coming to a stumbling stop and throwing her head forward to knock off whatever the hell had landed on her. 

The cub hit the ground and rolled forward, bumping right into Simba while Banzai came to a stop to check on Shenzi with Ed following suit. With a groan, Nala staggered to her feet, the land around her spinning and her whole body aching. 

The two cubs had tumbled off the cliff and into a thorn patch. A thick one at that. Behind him, Simba could hear Banzai’s yelps from having followed. “Nala?! W- Just come on! This way!” There was no time to question things. They had to keep moving. Crawling through the thickness of the brush, Simba held back whines and cries as the tips scraped against his fur causing small cuts to form. By the time he’d gotten free, he was panting racing into the desert checking behind him to see if the lioness was following him. 

Seeing the tawny figure behind him, he felt somewhat calmer knowing that she’d catch up. Cracked ground caused him to stumble since they were officially entering the desert but Simba still stopped nonetheless. “Why are you following me Nala?” Normally, Simba’s tone was usually positive, but this time he was concerned. Highly concerned if she knew anything about what had happened. “You gotta go back.” 

His voice was on the verge of breaking, though a swallow and quick breath grounded him. “You have to. I don’t belong at home anymore. You can probably climb back up those rocks and make it home by dark…” The cub stepped forward, ears flattened. “Tell Mom that I’m gonna miss her and the rest of the Pride too. Cause I’m leaving.” Just in case she decided to start an argument he added, “Your future king demands you to.” 

@lioness-nxla​

[lioness-nxla]

Nala followed Simba through the all the brush, the thorns causing cuts to form on her as well, including on her paws which only made it painful to run but she had to. The Hyenas were behind them and would probably close in on them if they slowed down or stopped - besides, she couldn’t lose Simba.

It wasn’t until he spoke to her again that she realized just how far they were from the cliff they tumbled down - from their home. She looked behind her to see the Hyenas at the top of the cliff, seemingly afraid to follow them down much to Nala’s relief. That meant they were safe...from them at least. She turned her attention back to Simba, the look on her face one of confusion and concern. “Go back? You’re not serious, Simba...” Nala shook her head, taking a step closer to her best friend. 

“I heard about the Stampede so I came to help! Then I saw you being chased by the Hyenas...” That’s when she realized. “Mufasa and Zazu came to help you, too. I bet if we yell, they’ll hear us and -- “ But her words were cut short when he told her that he was leaving. Her ears fell. “Leaving? Leaving where, Simba? You - hey!” When he started to walk away, Nala growled and chased after him. She jumped into the air and landed in front of him, blocking his path. “If you’re leaving the Pride, then doesn’t that mean you’re not the Future King anymore? So you can’t tell me to go back.” Not like she’d listen to him anyway. “If you leave then I’m leaving to, but...why? Why don’t you want to go back?” 

@sixba​

[lioness-nxla]

Hello, hello! I know I keep coming and going, but my muse constantly changes or I just get so busy and tired. I honestly haven’t been writing as much as I used to, so really, it’s just to the point where I write when I have time and muse be it every few days, every few weeks or even months. I understand if this makes people not want to write with me since I might disappear again and reappear some days or weeks later, but it’s really all I can manage. I still love to write, but I just don’t have the time like I used to which makes me sad. Especially since I have wonderful plots here - and on other blogs - and amazing partners.

If you’d still like to write with me, thank you so much! It would mean a lot. TLK is my all time favorite movie so I’d like to write as Nala here whenever I can. Feel free to like this post if you’d like to interact with me whenever I’m here/get the time. I also have Discord for those that would like to stay in touch! 

[kingmxfasa-a]

lioness-nxla‌:

Nala listen to his answer about being a King and being a good King and she was confident Mufasa was a good King because, well, everyone was doing well. Safe, protected, healthy. And she was sure Simba would be a good King just like him. “Yeah, I think you’re an awesome King and so does Mom! Nothing bad really ever seems to happen around here and I bet that’s because of you.” Or rather, she didn’t notice anything bad ever happening. Save for the few arguments or something between some of the animals, but it never really seemed to be more than that. 

“He would, but I bet he wouldn’t be as good as me!” The cub giggled, hoping she didn’t sound too arrogant, but she’d been practicing for quite some time now, but admittedly, she was tempted to challenge Simba - to see how he fared during a hunt, but to be fair, it wouldn’t be right to tease him about it since he hadn’t been trained like Nala did. Still, though, they always challenged and dared one another, so it would be all in good fun. “It sounds like a lot of work, but she’s an amazing Queen like you are a King. Sometimes I…wonder what it would be like to be Queen.” Nala’s ear flattened a little back. “Is that silly?” Because she knew she wouldn’t be. Or so she thought. 

“I do my best, but there are still problems. Otherwise there would be no need for a king.” Although it touched him to hear the cubs speak of him that way, Mufasa didn’t want them getting the idea that the Pridelands were a perfect place, or that he was a perfect king. No such thing existed.“You’re probably right. Lionesses do tend to be the better hunters,” he agreed. 

His mouth quirked up in a wry, knowing smile at her next question. “Not at all. Everyone has dreams.” Part of him wanted to tell her now, but no, it was best to wait until the cubs were older, as he, Sarabi and Sarafina had agreed. Instead, he asked, “Tell me, what would you do if you were queen?” There was no harm in indulging her fantasy a bit, even if he couldn’t tell her yet that it would, in fact, come true one day.

[lioness-nxla]

Hearing his words about everyone having a dream only made Nala all the more curious and another question popped into her mind. “Did you have a dream? Was it being King?” She couldn’t help but ask, waiting eagerly for his answer...until his next question came. 

His question surprised Nala, ears perking again as she looked up at him. “M-me?” She couldn’t help but feel a little nervous from that question, wondering if there would be a wrong answer. She didn’t even know what she should say. “I...I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about that..” True she wondered what it would be like to be Queen, but to actually see herself as the Queen? That was different. Especially since it wasn’t going to happen anyway. Nala moved from her spot and walked up the rock, looking down at the land before them. If she was Queen? “Everything seems fine the way it is, doesn’t it? You keep everyone here safe, there’s plenty of food...I don’t know if I would change anything..” 

[spookymulti]

@lioness-nxla​ || cont.

    A soft chuffing of contentment rumbled in the King’s throat as he gently rests his head against hers. His tail curled around her as he pondered the idea more. They really did need some quality time together as it seemed as though they were always occupied. Nala was busy leading the hunting party while Simba was busy with patrols and diplomacy. He had really been craving a day together to be themselves again– to become as carefree as cubs.

      “ I’ve been thinking about it… and I’m certain Kiara and Kovu can look after things for a day. It’ll be great practise for them too. We’ll have to let Zazu know where we are in case of emergency. ”

[lioness-nxla]

Nala’s tail swayed with Simba’s before wrapping around him in return, eyes overlooking the lands before them as she gave thought to his words. He had a point - Kiara and Kovu were capable of watching the lands for a day or so and they did need the practice. And she and Simba deserved a bit of a break - a little getaway together. 

“You make a fair point.” Nala chuckled, nuzzling his face once more before she gently pushed against him so he fell onto his side, barely pinning him. “Alright. As soon as they return from their walk, we’ll talk to them about it. I’m sure they’ll be happy to be rid of us for a day or two.” It would give them some alone time, as well, and Nala fully trusted the two of them to watch over the Pride Lands in their absence. Besides, they’d have Zazu with them should they need any assistance or advice. 

She leaned down to give her husband a lick on the side of his face before moving off of him and heading down the rock. “Come on, Your Majesty. Let’s go find Zazu.” 

[lioness-nxla]

Second Viewing

So I watched The Lion King for the second time last night and I honestly enjoyed it all more than the first time. I think that’s mostly because during my first watch, I compared it to the original. I KNEW I was going to even though I didn’t want to, I wanted to watch it with a fresh mind, but I knew that wouldn’t be the case so I was comparing it through the whole movie.

But this time I went in KNOWING what would happen, what was different etc and it made a difference for me. I enjoyed it a bit more and I feel I saw a bit more emotion than the first time I watched. I paid really close attention to it and saw more movement with the eyes, lips, etc so it was nice to see. Some parts, though, I still didn’t care too much for (the reunion between Simba and Nala feeling rushed, their following scene taking place during the day, the fur traveling to Rafiki to name a few) . But overall, I felt better about it during my second viewing. 

Also, I still freaking adore Cub Simba and Nala. Their interactions were great and I loved the extra lines.

[kingscarred]

lioness-nxla·:

The Pride Lands had never been the same since the loss of Mufasa - a just King. A true King. And Scar was neither of those things, but she didn’t dare say those words out loud for fear of putting her loved ones in danger and even herself. If she wanted to get help, if she wanted to one day find a way to end his reign, she needed to stay alive. To be fair, Nala had once believed in Scar during her time as a cub - what with him assuming the throne after the tragic news - but as time went on, she began to realize what kind of King he truly was; even becoming suspicious that the death of the King, and her best friend, was no accident, but that was yet another thing Nala didn’t dare speak out loud. 

Hearing the King’s Scar’s voice pulled Nala’s attention away from the lioness’ and with a sigh, she got to her paws and made her way to Scar, assuring her mother and her Queen that she would be alright. “With all due respect, your Majesty,” Truthfully,  none at all. “there isn’t much I can do when the hyenas leave us little to hunt.” How Scar could not see that the fault was with his hyenas baffled the lioness. They went after every creature they could find, eating until their fill and then some, prompting other animals to leave the lands, yet the King did nothing to stop it. 

            ❛   YOU   ALWAYS   FIND   A   WAY   TO   DISAPPOINT   ME ,   DON’T   YOU   SWEET   NALA ?   it   wouldn’t   be   difficult   for   you   to   hunt   for   FOOD   if   all   you   do   is   push   for   FURTHER   BOUNDARIES .   at   the   VERY   LEAST ,    there’s   always   a   chance   we   could   eat   ZAZU   if   need   be .   so   the   solution   is   simple   ———-   find   OTHER   PRIDE LANDS   and   take   THEIR   FOOD .   i’m   sure   there’s   plenty   of   wildebeest   to   go   around . ❜   scar   spoke   as   if   all   of   these   points   were   obvious ,   or   as   if   they   were   OKAY   to   do .   every   lion   pride   knows   to   stay   away   from   their   boundaries ,   as   it   goes   against   the   basic   fundamentals   of   leading   a   pride land .   though ,   scar   didn’t   care .   in   fact ,   the   lion   had   no   care   in   the   world   for   anyone   but   HIMSELF .

            ❛   YOU   will   lead   a   hunting   party   to   search   for   food   in   other   pride   lands .   there   will   be   NO   discussion   about   it .   understood ?   ❜

[lioness-nxla]

A growl fell from the lioness’ lips when he mentioned Zazu. “No. You agreed to spare Zazu. Leave him be.” It wasn’t exactly a thread - on the inside it certainly was - but more so a reminder of what Scar had agreed to and that was agreeing to leave Zazu and Rafiki alone. They were off limits and Nala wouldn’t dare let any harm come to Zazu. Should the Hyena’s lay one paw on him, she wouldn’t hesitate to fight back. “You’re asking me to invade other lands? To cross into other territories and take was is not ours?” It was maddening to hear him demand this of her, though not all surprising considering the type of King he was. A mad King. “Scar, that could start a war.” The lioness pointed out. Surely even he would see that! Or would he? At this point, Nala had no faith in him at all - he didn’t know how to be a King. 

Or perhaps, it could end this one? Nala then thought, seconds after she spoke those words about starting a war. Scar was giving her permission to leave their Pride Lands and perhaps that would be Nala’s opportunity to find help. “...Understood.” 

[lioness-nxla]

Best Friends Stick Together (AU)

@sixba

“I need a word with the Prince.” 

Came Scar’s words as he approached the playing cubs, thus having Simba follow him and promising to catch up with Nala later. A few minutes after they had left, Nala walked around on her own and not long after, she spotted a few Hyenas in the Pride Lands heading in the direction that Scar and Simba had gone in. Telling the King would have been the first thing for Nala to do, but given how far away she was from Pride Rock, heading back wouldn’t be the best idea because what it something bad happened in that time? So, she decided to try and find Scar and Simba instead - because confronting the Hyenas wouldn’t be smart, only stupid and dangerous. So, she searched for the Prince and his Uncle, but to no avail until she heard a strange sound coming from nearby. From the gorge. Was that Simba? Hurrying over, Nala stopped at the edge of the cliff and saw Simba way down at the bottom, wondering why the heck he was way down there and where Scar was. With a deep breath, Nala opened her mouth to yell at him, but her words stopped in her throat when she felt a rumbling beneath her paws, followed by what sounded like...

Her eyes went wide when she saw the wildebeast charging down into the gorge, right towards Simba. “Simba! Run!” Nala called out, but her words weren’t near loud enough for the cub to hear her through the sound of the wildebeasts, but thankfully he finally moved, dashing forward in an attempt to escape the animals. Nala followed suit, running along the cliff’s edge to follow her best friend, thinking of how to help him somehow, but what could she do!? 

She came to a stop when she watched him climb onto a tree, dangling just above the stampede. Then Zazu flew down and seconds later... “Mufasa!” Nala exclaimed in relief, her smile wide as she continued along the the edge of the gorge, trying to find a safe spot to climb down once the stampede was gone, but when she found said area, her view of Simba was blocked by the rocks and dust covering the ground below. She climbed down into the gap on the edge and began to make her descent down the cliff, the stampede seemingly at it’s end what with the noise quieting down as well as the rumble beneath her paws, but that’s when she heard Simba scream, prompting the lioness to hurry down. 

The rush she was now in caused the cub to misstep when leaping over a small gap, tumbling down a few rocks but then catching herself with her claws, pulling herself up to the small ledge and giving her a moment to catch her breath - her heart racing and her paws stinging. But then she heard shouting, even cackling, that she recognized all too well. The hyenas. Did they find Simba!? 

Her concerns were confirmed when she saw her best friend run by below, followed by the three hyenas closing in on him. “Simba, hold on!” Nala tried to call out between her heavy breaths and coughs, but her voice was strained from all of the running and dust she’d been inhaling, but she didn’t dare let that stop her. Nala followed them, running along the edge, through some small tunnels and gaps until she saw the Hyenas right below her, so close behind Simba. Too close.

So, she did the brave thing - she did what Simba did for her when the Hyenas almost caught her: she jumped from the ledge she was on and, with her claws out, landed right on top of Shenzi’s head which made the hyena cry out in pain, coming to a stumbling stop and throwing her head forward to knock off whatever the hell had landed on her. 

The cub hit the ground and rolled forward, bumping right into Simba while Banzai came to a stop to check on Shenzi with Ed following suit. With a groan, Nala staggered to her feet, the land around her spinning and her whole body aching. 

[sixba]

lioness-nxla‌:

“Gone?” Nala finished, using the same word her mother used every time - the only word she ever seemed to get as an answer. It came out a bit harsher than she intended and she started feeling bad for acting this way towards Simba. It wasn’t his fault and at least he cared. Nala couldn’t really talk to anyone else about this, but Simba? She could. She could talk to him about anything, yet she hadn’t talked to him about her father yet and maybe she needed to. Because at least he would talk to her about it. Not shut her down or change the subject. With that in mind, Nala lifted her head to look at him again. “Uh huh. I’m sorry.” She answered in response to his first question, then nodded. “No, I…I want to talk about it. I never get to. Mom never wants to talk about it. What’s your other question?” 

“Uh, yeah. That, and don’t worry about it. It’s okay.” he reassured her with a small smile. They could talk about anything at all, mostly because they were the same age but they were also best friends too. Best friends could talk about anything with one another. As for the other question, he began to hesitate but still continued.

 “How come your Mom doesn’t wanna talk about him and what if he’s still around? There’s gotta be rogues here someplace. Maybe we can go look for him and he can live in the pride with the rest of us. There’s tons of room and Mom and the others bring back enough food. He could even live with Uncle Scar too if he likes being alone.” Would that even work? Where would they even start such a quest? “Do you remember what he looks like at all? We can kinda go from there if your Mom’s told you anything.”  

@lioness-nxla

[lioness-nxla]

Simba asked the questions that Nala wished she could ask her mom - questions she tried to ask, but could never get all of them out simply because of the answer she always got, but to hear them from Simba, and to be able to talk about it, was making her perk up a little. “I dunno. She just never does, but I try to ask. Sometimes I...wonder if he is out there, but if he is...how come he hasn’t come home?” Did he not want to be part of the Pride? Or maybe he didn’t like her? Or what if he was... The thought made Nala shake her head, not wanting to think about that, but at the same time, which one was worse? “I don’t know where he’d even be...I wanna find him, but how could we even do that? Um, mom said he had a brown mane...and that I kinda look like him..” Which meant their fur color had to be the same, right? At least her mother told her that much, leaving the rest up to her imagination. “He could be anywhere, Simba..” 

[lioness-nxla]

[Simba] Lovingly butts his head against hers. "Nala, you and I need a day off-- y'know? Just me 'n and you? Maybe we should visit the jungle, it's peaceful there."

Nala smiled at her husband’s words, her head pushing back against his before licking just under his eye with a chuckle. “As wonderful as that sounds, would that even be possible?” The Queen questioned, nuzzling her face against his. “Leaving the Pride Lands, even for just a day...” The idea really did sound wonderful to Nala - an entire day of just them being together, not as King and Queen, but as Simba and Nala - a short getaway. But would they be able to make it work? 

[kingscarred]

lioness-nxla  liked for a starter

            THE   PRIDE   LANDS ,   UNDER   SCAR’S   RULING ,    WAS    QUESTIONABLE    AT   BEST .   however ,   in   scar’s   eyes ,   the   joining   of   the   two   species   ———-   HYENA   AND   LION   ———-   was   a   great   step   towards   SALVATION .   unfortunately ,   it   was   clear   to   scar   that   none   of   the   lionesses    really   enjoyed   the   idea   of   the   joined - pride .    this    didn’t   seem   to   be   much   of   an   issue   in   the   eyes   of   the   heynas ,    though   it   was   OBVIOUS   that   the   canine   species   grew   hungrier   by   the   day ,   as   did   SCAR .

            ❛   NALA   ———-    i   DEMAND   your   presence   IMMEDIATELY .   we   must   discuss   the   LACK   OF   FOOD   and   what   YOU’RE   going   to   do   about   it .  ❜

[lioness-nxla]

The Pride Lands had never been the same since the loss of Mufasa - a just King. A true King. And Scar was neither of those things, but she didn’t dare say those words out loud for fear of putting her loved ones in danger and even herself. If she wanted to get help, if she wanted to one day find a way to end his reign, she needed to stay alive. To be fair, Nala had once believed in Scar during her time as a cub - what with him assuming the throne after the tragic news - but as time went on, she began to realize what kind of King he truly was; even becoming suspicious that the death of the King, and her best friend, was no accident, but that was yet another thing Nala didn’t dare speak out loud. 

Hearing the King’s Scar’s voice pulled Nala’s attention away from the lioness’ and with a sigh, she got to her paws and made her way to Scar, assuring her mother and her Queen that she would be alright. “With all due respect, your Majesty,” Truthfully,  none at all. “there isn’t much I can do when the hyenas leave us little to hunt.” How Scar could not see that the fault was with his hyenas baffled the lioness. They went after every creature they could find, eating until their fill and then some, prompting other animals to leave the lands, yet the King did nothing to stop it. 

[lioness-nxla]

The Lion King

My thoughts about the movie:

Okay! So, I didn’t exactly LOVE the movie, but I didn’t hate it either? First of all, TLK is my all time favorite movie. Not just my favorite Disney movie, but my ALL TIME FAVORITE MOVIE. It’s my childhood and it’s my life, so going into this movie I was very wary, although I trusted Jon because I enjoy is work.

But there were some parts that just felt so off and awkward to me. I know the movie wasn’t going to be line for line and I do like some of the changes/additions, but others I didn’t. Like the love triangle. Why was that even a thing? It shouldn’t be, leave that out. There was absolutely no point.

And the reunion between Simba and Nala felt...forced to me. And rushed. In the original, we had a couple of minutes build up of their reunion before Nala mentioned him coming back. We had a few minutes of them being confused, then happy and celebrating and in this one it was basically “Nala! “Simba! Come take your rightful place!” Yes, we got them being happy but it was so quick and short to me, I didn’t like it all that much. But that’s just me.

The Stampede scene was...weird. To me it felt slow motion almost and not all that dangerous? It’s hard for me to explain, but then the death scene was off for me. It felt a bit monotone to me and then instead of just pushing him off, Scar like...claws at his face and it just looked awkward to me. I’m not good at explaining things sometimes xD

For the Hakuna Matata song, I really enjoyed it, but the growing up scene left me a little disappointed. I know they weren’t going to do what they did in the original, but it still left me a little sad haha.

I loved the extra content with Nala and Sarabi! I LOVED it. Extra lines with the cubs and with adult Nala, wanting to do something about Scar’s reign, wanting to find help and her sneaking off. It was great! Props to Zazu for helping distract Scar, always looking out for the cubs and I liked Zazu in this one.

I was never the biggest fan of Timon and Pumbaa, but they really grew on me in this one.

I was fine with B.eyonce surprisingly One of my worries was her over doing it (and I think she did in Can You Feel The Love Tonight) but her voice acting otherwise was fine. One thing I’m not happy with? And what I was worried about? Everything being about her. The tags are filled with B.eyonce and it sort of...annoys me a little bit. I was never the biggest fan of hers anyway xD 

I was fine with Scar’s voice for the most part, it sounded menacing to me and I’m indifferent with Adult Simba’s voice. Wasn’t feeling it at some points in the movie. I know I had more to talk about, but this is long already and I can’t remember everything so feel free to come discuss it with me and I’ll add more as I think of it! Other than that, LET’S GET SOME THREADS GOING!

[sixba]

“You actually think I’m perfect? Tell me something I don’t already know.” 

[lioness-nxla]

“...That you’re annoying, but you already know that, too.” She rolls her eyes, but ends up giving him a smile. 

[lioness-nxla]

New icon thanks to @sixba! Thank you for always making me icons among other things! <3 And for just being an amazing person, roleplay partner and friend!! <3 

[sixba]

= CONT. =

“Re-…” Upon noticing her reaction to his questions, his own ears lowered in disappointment. Moving towards her, Simba gave her a light head bump hoping to catch her attention. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you upset…I was just curious cause he’s…” Well, she already knew he wasn’t around so why bring that up for her? “You gonna be okay though?” Should he even ask his second question? What if it made her even more upset with him? “Can I ask another question about ‘im or do you wanna not talk about it anymore?”  

@lioness-nxla

[lioness-nxla]

“Gone?” Nala finished, using the same word her mother used every time - the only word she ever seemed to get as an answer. It came out a bit harsher than she intended and she started feeling bad for acting this way towards Simba. It wasn’t his fault and at least he cared. Nala couldn’t really talk to anyone else about this, but Simba? She could. She could talk to him about anything, yet she hadn’t talked to him about her father yet and maybe she needed to. Because at least he would talk to her about it. Not shut her down or change the subject. With that in mind, Nala lifted her head to look at him again. “Uh huh. I’m sorry.” She answered in response to his first question, then nodded. “No, I...I want to talk about it. I never get to. Mom never wants to talk about it. What’s your other question?” 

[lioness-nxla]

"Hey Nala, you ever wonder what your Dad's like?"

Hearing that question made Nala frown, her ears lowering and her tail coming to a halt. Did he really think that she didn’t? Because she did. She wondered about him all the time - every day, but what was the point? No one ever told her anything. Only that he ‘was gone’. And that one day she would understand why. It was the same answer every time she asked and she hadn’t even asked it often, but enough for her to realize that no one would ever tell her anything. And it hurt. And made her angry. Why couldn’t she know about her father? Was he dead? Did he run away? Was he banished? She had so many questions. And truth be told, she was jealous of Simba - watching the two of them play, Mufasa teaching him things, and just how happy they both looked - But the only one that knew that was Zazu.

So, with a sigh, Nala looked away from him and laid her head down on her paws.

“All the time.” 

[sixba]

lioness-nxla‌:

One second was probably all she needed, Nala thought bitterly, but kept it to herself. It was done, the Zebra was gone, and besides, she could just try some other day anyway. Because when she heard that Zazu was gone for…however long, excitement replaced annoyance. “Wow! He’s never left this long before, has he?” Granted they didn’t know how long, but if the King himself said a while, then it had to be a long time! “Harsh, Simba. I’m sure we’d miss him after a while.” Nala chuckled, but they could do with a few days of freedom! 

“Duh!” Nala scoffed when Simba asked if she wanted to go do something, but what? That was the question. “Hm, well, let’s avoid Pride Rock so our parents so find us some new babysitter or something.” Which they probably would, but…maybe they wouldn’t. Still, Nala didn’t want to risk it. “That’s a good idea! Let’s see how much we can see today and then whatever we don’t, we do it again tomorrow! Oh, hey! Wanna go to Maji Baridi Falls first? Zazu never lets us climb the cliff there.” 

“That’s a good idea, that way everybody will think we’re in our normal spots or down at the Waterhole or something.” Maji Baridi Falls, huh? The cub hadn’t been there in a long time. “Sure! Maybe this time we can actually make it all the way up to the top. What if there’s something awesome up there, or what if no lion has ever actually made it? We’d be the first ones! Think of what we could find up there!” 

There goes Simba’s imagination into high gear again. 

“We gotta head over quick, cause I don’t know about you but I don’t wanna be stuck there before bedtime or else Mom and Dad’ll get worried. You ready to do some climbing? It’s probably gonna be the hardest thing that we’ve ever done.” Truthfully? Probably not, but it was sure fun to rev up the pressure and excitement, or possibly fear. Whichever Nala wanted to interpret that as. 

[lioness-nxla]

“I know! We have to make it to the top this time! Zazu won’t be here to stop us and if we’re quick enough, we’ll have time to explore it, too!” Nala hadn’t been to Maji Baridi falls but maybe once or twice, and not since she and Simba had last gone. Each time they went, they always tried to climb the cliffs, always wanting to get to the top, but Zazu made sure to stop them - warning them that it was dangerous or they could get lost. But it wasn’t like they were forbidden to go up there, really - not like the Outlands where they weren’t allowed to. This was still part of the Pride Lands, so it was okay! “That’d be really cool if we were the first ones!” 

“Yeah and then they’ll probably find us another babysitter. But if we’re back before dark, then maybe they won’t and we can come back and finish exploring tomorrow.” It sounded like a good plan to Nala - it would work out! “Hey, how about a race?” Trust Nala to always suggest a race of some sort - always wanting to practice to try and get faster, especially for hunts. She was the fastest out of the two for sure, but it was still fun to race anyway. 

[ethanhunt-deactivated20230911]

I finally got some sense knocked into me. And I’ve got the bump to prove it. The Lion King (1994) dir. Roger Allers & Rob Minkoff