Chapter 67

The loss of Kuende and Nyo cast a dark cloud over the journey back to Tambwe. They stopped off and retrieved the skull and some bones from Kongamato. Ayasu reasoned while they were not victorious in their search for Nyo and Kuende, to bring home a victory over a rival may soften the blow of losing the crafty hunters.

The whole city came out to greet them, with Zinjo and Juma waiting ahead of assembled masses. Zinjo shoved all aside until he held Aurelia in his arms. She leaned into his shoulder and cried with joy and sorrow in equal parts.

Ayasu raised herself above the crowd the heat of the afternoon sun beat down on her golden pelt. The effect made her look like a messenger from on high, "People of Tambwe, I have grown long in the tooth and wish to enjoy my golden years. To that end, I name Sahiri, wife of Juma, to be my successor."

The people cheered loud for Sahiri, and Juma stood up a little taller. He gave Zinjo a smug look. Zinjo shrugged and gave an arbitrary clap. Ayasu gave the people some time to admire their new councilwoman before she raised her hands. A hush blanketed the crowd, and Ayasu smiled.

"Today, we bring a new lioness into our fold," Ayasu took a moment to point to Aurelia, "She is the reason my Zinjo traveled so far from home. I have spent some time with this remarkable young woman. She was not born on Kianzangi, but her heart is lioness through and through. I hereby welcome Aurelia, Princess of Shadowfen, into my Pride Family."

Aurelia popped the parasol open and drew the lion's fang. The cheers from the crowd deafened her. Zinjo nodded in approval and gave Juma a thumbs up. Aurelia covered her face with a hand. "Little boys," She whispered to herself, "When they are together, they act like little boys."

"Sahiri leaned over," I hear that all men have the same affliction. Pray you'll have a daughter. It will keep you sane and rational."

Aurelia giggled, "I think Zinjo will raise our children well."

Ayasu spoke of their victory over Kongamato and raised the massive skull over her head. The act produced the loudest cheer from the crowd, and Ayasu seemed pleased. The Elder Lionesses face darkened immediately, "There comes a day when we must say goodbye to those we love and respect. I will say Kuende and Nyo are no more. Our pride feels the loss of skilled hunters. We were unable to recover their bodies. I ask all of you to remain in Tambwe and forget the broken plains exist. No good can come of traveling out there."

The homecoming ceremony turned into a feast. The skull of Kongamato sat on display for all to see. Aurelia enjoyed the attention from the other lionesses, who regarded her with respect and awe.

At the first opportunity, Zinjo whisked Aurelia away to their private quarters. Aurelia fumbled with his belt buckle, desperate to get the prize behind the leather covering. Likewise, zinjo tore her top off and buried his face between her breasts. His lips teased her erect nipples, and she moaned.

Aurelia finally managed to release the manly girth and stroked him quickly. Zinjo continued to kiss down her body. Aurelia refused to go through the niceties of foreplay and shoved Zinjo down. She spread the soft flesh open and impaled herself on him.

Zinjo thrust his hips upward as Aurelia drove herself downward. She moaned louder with every motion, as did Zinjo. Aurelia kissed him with all the love and passion the moment would allow. She had never missed someone so much in her life.

A tingle started at her crotch area and spiraled out across her body. Aurelia was close to finding ecstasy and kissed Zinjo again, "I love you," She said breathlessly. Zinjo took a hard nipple into his mouth before he kissed her back and said, "I love you too, dark princess."

In a fluid motion, Zinjo rolled them both over and took command on top. Aurelia's legs pressed against his shoulders as he thrust deep enough to make her cry out. Zinjo quickened his pace. Aurelia felt his juices fill her up, and her arms held him in place. "Keep it in for a while. I missed you, all of you."

Zinjo kissed and gently moved his hips, "I missed you as well. Never have I experienced such worry. If I have taken you for granted, I am sorry."

There was no truth to his words, but Aurelia hungered for his touch that night and whispered, "Then pierce me until you no longer can. To make up for it."

The male lion laughed and said, "As you wish, dark princess."

***

When the fires of their passion died down, they lay in each other's arms content. Aurelia regaled Zinjo with her adventures on the broken plains. She spoke of Kivuli and what they discovered there. He remained silent for some time. His eyes suggested the wheels of his mind turned.

"Badru awaits trial. I'd stay and watch, but we promised Gael a trip to the far east. I am curious as to what we will find there. I've never been. His hand teased Aurelia's soft flesh, and she slowly moved her hips.

"Agreed," Aurelia moaned softly, "You are a frisky kitty this evening."

Zinjo let out a soft laugh, "I was lonesome for you. I had to watch all the other happy couples while you were gone. All I could think about is taking you into my arms and then to my bed."

"I am sorry about Kuende and Nyo. Kivuli said it would be inadvisable to free them from the liquid prison. Ayasu was bothered by it."

"You chose the correct path. We saw what happened in Larylia, and I for, one, do not wish to see such evils repeated."

Aurelia smiled and straddled the large man. "Are you ready for the far east?"

"Hmmm," Zinjo nodded and smiled, "I am glad to visit my loved ones, but I am eager to return to Shadowfen. A lot can happen in a couple of months. I hope Lebende hasn't caused too much trouble."

Aurelia rubbed herself against his hardness and smiled as Zinjo's face filled with pleasure. "I know we will be equal to the challenges ahead," Zinjo spoke in between grunts and whines. She pressed against him harder and moaned a little louder.

Zinjo growled and pleaded with her to take him to the hilt. Aurelia stopped and took him into her once more. "Let us forget the troubles of the future and past for a while longer and attack the problem with fresh eyes tomorrow."

Zinjo kissed her, "I agree."