Under a New Canopy

[simba]

There is a great amount of difference between the lush, tropical jungles of Africa- and the calm, tranquil forests of Europe. After living the majority of his life in the former, the latter proved to be a great surprise to a certain lazy lion.

"Whoa..." Simba padded through the strange trees carefully, stopping every so often to inspect a new tree or flower. The colors seemed softer here, actually everything did. The scents and sounds were quieter then the excited din of the jungle.

He carefully sniffed a violet before trudging down a wider path towards the sound of a river. It had been a long walk and he'd built up a bit of a thirst. At least water was still water in any jungle.

[ferdinand]

(OOC: I wasn't sure if this was open or not; if it's not, please let me know and I'll delete this.)


(IC:) The clip-clop of Kaiser's hooves could be heard against the earth as Ferdinand enjoyed a leisurely ride through the forest. He often took such trips with Snow White, but she was off visiting their good friends, the seven dwarfs, today. As the boy and his steed passed under a certain tree, a little sparrow flew down from a branch and landed on his shoulder. The Prince chuckled and looked at it. "Why, hello there! How are you doing on this most beautiful day?" he asked. Cheerful chirps and the fluttering of wings indicated it was doing well. "Wonderful! Shall I see you again?" The sparrow nodded and flew away, leaving a warm smile on Ferdinand's face.

As the two companions traveled on, the boy was noticing that Kaiser was becoming uncomfortable. He knew it was because the creature was overcome with thirst. "Dear friend, don't worry. There's a river nearby. You may have your fill there." Knowing he was probably only making things worse for Kaiser, Ferdinand dismounted and would go on foot. He tugged on the stallion's crimson reigns and headed towards the large river that ran through the center of the wood.

When the boy and his steed came onto the main path that led towards the river, they saw a large feline not far ahead of them. It too seemed to be making its way towards the river. Kaiser began to grow restless, neighing and rising up on his hind legs. Ferdinand grabbed hold of the horse's reigns and began to pull down, trying to calm him. "Be still, I say!" Kaiser obeyed his master, quieting down and shuffling his feet a little before becoming still. The Prince gently stroked him on the snout, smiling at him. "There, there, old friend. All is well." Ferdinand reassured, speaking in a kind and gentle voice.

[simba]

He'd seen plenty of strange animals in his life, but a horse was not one of them. At the sound of the neighing Simba startled and turned towards the new pair. He titled his head at the strange creatures.

"Akita never told me about anyone like this."

Curiosity always being a strong suit of his personality, the former prince padded cautiously towards the two. His manner didn't suggest he was going to hurt Ferdinand or his steed.

Simba slowed down a bit as he got closer, even though he was smaller then most lions due to his diet and where he grew up- he was still bigger then any animal in this type of forest.

"Uh, hey!"

[ferdinand]

Kaiser snorted softly as Ferdinand finished comforting him with a few pats on the neck. Now that the horse had quieted down, the Prince turned his head to see the ruckus had caught the attention of the lion that had been pacing ahead of them. His blue eyes went wide as Simba approached. The boy didn't know if he was a friend of an enemy, but he quickly dismissed the thought of drawing his sword when he saw that the lion's manner wasn't threatening at all. Rather, Simba seemed more curious than anything.

He stopped in front of Ferdinand and Kaiser and greeted them. Ferdinand blinked. Never before had he heard an animal speak...well, at least where he could understand him. Getting over the initial shock, the Prince gave a nod of the head and spoke in a kind and respectful manner. "Greetings to you as well, Sir." Averting his eyes momentarily, he looked at his steed. Then, he turned his gaze back towards Simba. Removing his hat, Ferdinand apologized on Kaiser's behalf. "I must ask you to forgive Kaiser. The poor creature is easily startled. I do hope you weren't offended, Sir."

"But I must also ask...I've never seen a lion in these parts before. Might I inquire as to what brings you here?" His voice continued to remain gentle and kind, his manner respectful and full of grace.

[simba]

Simba sat on his haunches, looking Ferdinand over for a moment. It was obvious now that the human meant no harm at all. The lion was only keeping his distance in respect to the horse. He had to remember that, well other lions weren't exactly like he was.

"It's no problem, Hakuna Matata."

He glanced around the forest before giving a sheepish chuckle, "uh, now that you mention it- I'm not entirely sure myself. I just, started walking and wound up here. Could, you tell me where I'm at?

[ferdinand]

The Prince already held a great reverence towards Simba, not only as he was an animal, but because he was also the boy's elder. He was also sure that the lion posed no threat to him or his steed, but was a friendly and curious soul. Having given an apology, Ferdinand waited a bit anxiously for Simba's reply. A sigh of relief escaped the boy's lips as the lion said not to worry about it.

"Thank you, Sir. Again, my humblest apologies." the Prince said. The phrase Simba had said afterwards...it was nothing Ferdinand had ever heard before. "Hakuna...Matata?" he questioned. He hoped he didn't seem foolish by making mention of it, but the words were so intriguing to the boy's youthful mind.

When Ferdinand had asked the lion how he'd arrived in the forest, Simba told him that he'd just sort of...wound up here. The Prince smiled warmly as he was asked if he could tell the lion where he was. "Why, certainly, Sir! You're in Sherwood Forest, which I know very well. Some of my dearest friends call it home." he said in a kind voice. "As we're speaking, I should introduce myself."

Taking his hat, the boy placed it to his chest and bowed. "My name is Prince Ferdinand. Might I ask yours?"

[simba]

"Oh- it means no worries. It's me and pops philosophy of life." His ears perked at the name of the forest. So, this really wasn't part of the jungle? How far had he traveled...

"Sherwood...I've never heard of this place before. Heh, not even from the birds."

He glanced back at Ferdinand, a small trill of nerves crossing his eyes briefly at the mention of 'Prince'. He hadn't heard that term in such a long time, but fortunately the jungle had knocked what little manners he'd been taught out of his head.

"It's nice to meet you, I'm Simba." he answered, mimicking the bow rather badly; but hey he tried.

[ferdinand]

"Ah! Now it makes sense." Ferdinand replied as Simba explained the strange phrase to him. It made the boy feel a greater sense of relief, knowing the lion hadn't been offended by Kaiser's reaction to him. The magnificent stallion walked up to Ferdinand and barged his head over the Prince's shoulder. Ferdinand placed a hand to Kaiser's cheek and held the horse's head close to him as he continued to listen to Simba speak.

The lion had apparently never heard of Sherwood. The boy found that strange, for everyone he knew (even travelers who'd been to his kingdom) had heard of the great forest. "Where do you come from, Sir?" he asked. "For one to have never heard of this place, they surely must've come from far away." Perhaps once the Prince knew where Simba originated from, he might get a better idea of how the lion had gotten here. Ferdinand had traveled far and wide (especially when he was searching for Snow White after her stepmother had poisoned her), and maybe he'd gone to the lion's homeland.

After Ferdinand had introduced himself, he resumed an upright position and replaced his hat upon his head. He saw the odd look in Simba's dark eyes, and he couldn't help but wonder why. The boy made no mention of it though, and nodded to the lion after he introduced himself. "Likewise, Sir." Ferdinand replied. There was still a gentle smile on his face. Despite having only met Simba, the boy had already grew fond of him.

[simba]

"I'm from the jungle- just North of Ape Mountain*." As far as he was concerned, no one needed to know where he'd been born.

"Not sure if you've been there- not many humans there. And, no offense, I've never seen one that looks like you."

All the humans, the few he had seen, were either wild born (such as La and Tarzan) or else dark skinned humans that lived in villages near the hidden parts of the rivers. None of them dressed like Ferdinand either, but at least this human could understand him. Law of the Jungle probably extended to these forests as well.

[ferdinand]

Well, young Ferdinand had never been that far. He removed his hat and ran a hand through his curling brown hair. "That is indeed far from here. You must've walked quite a way to end up in this forest." the Prince mentioned, wondering how a creature like Simba could've managed such a journey. He must've been walking for days. The very prospect worried Ferdinand. Was Simba alright?

The lion said he wasn't sure if the boy had been there, and that humans were few and far between. And even so, he'd never seen ones that looked like Ferdinand. Ferdinand knew that the more south you went, one would find people with darker skin and hair; the farther north, the fairer. "None taken, Sir. I have surely never been to your homeland, but it must surely be a wonderful place." The very idea made the Prince wish he could go there, but Kaiser could never manage the trip. It wasn't as if Kaiser was a war charger or something along those lines; he was merely meant to serve as a riding horse.

[simba]

"I, yeah. Heh, explains why I'm so thirsty." At least he hadn't needed to cross the desert, again. That had not been fun the first time, and he was not inclined to do so again.

Homeland, that word had hit someplace inside but the lion made no show of it- only giving a soft chuckle and nodding, "I thought so. it's sort of, off the beaten path. Your right though...it's beautiful."

He titled his head for a moment, as though just realizing something, "If you don't mind me asking- what's a Prince, doing out here? I thought human kings lived in palaces filled with gold and silks and a bunch of other stuff." Yeah, he needed to stop talking to the Toucans.

[ferdinand]

The boy chuckled softly. "All three of us are parched, then." he remarked. "The river isn't far from here, so we may all go and refresh ourselves." Kaiser's ears perked up at the mention of this, and he gave a gentle neigh. Ferdinand turned his head momentarily to his friend. "You needn't wait much longer, Kaiser." He then returned his attention to Simba.

The lion mentioned that where he was from was a very obscure place, which was probably why the Prince hadn't heard of it. "Fair enough, I suppose." Ferdinand said. Simba then gave the boy a confused look and asked him why he was out in the forest by himself. "Well, I often come here to visit with my friends, the animals." A lark flew from a tree and landed on his shoulder, chirping happily. "I also come here with my wife, Snow White. We love to take walks together. Our dearest friends, the seven dwarfs, reside here as well."

"I much prefer to be outside than to be kept up in a dark castle for the rest of my days."

[simba]

"All right! Lead the way, Ferdinand."

He gave a sigh of relief at that news, great! His throat was pretty dry and a cool drink would be just what they all needed.

"Sounds like you'd have more fun living in the woods then ruling a kingdom."

[ferdinand]

Nodding again, Ferdinand took Kaiser by the reigns and moved past Simba, doing as he was told. The horse trotted slowly behind his young master, his ears perked up as the sound of rushing water grew louder the closer they went. The boy knew the lion wasn't far behind.

Along the way, Simba remarked that Ferdinand would have more fun living in the forest than ruling a kingdom. The Prince chuckled and turned his head to his elder. "I suppose you might say that. Both I and Snow White feel more at home among the trees and woodland creatures than we do the stone halls of our castle. Perhaps it's a reason we come here so often."

Eventually, the trio reached the river. Its gentle waters flowed clear as crystal, making it ideal for drinking. "Here we are." Ferdinand stated happily. He led Kaiser to the edge and undid the stallion's reigns. "Drink up, old friend." he told him, patting him on the back. Kaiser neighed and dipped his tongue into the water, lapping it up eagerly.

[Briar Rose]

Now that Ferdinand, Simba and Kaiser were stagnant, it was easier for them to immerse themselves in the sounds of nature. The merry chirping of birds; the delicate flow of the babbling river from which they drank; the ethereal singing from a distance.

The ethereal singing from a distance was of course noticeable. It started very softly, clearly far away, but over time it became obviously closer and louder. It was an operatic voice unlike any other singing voice the trio had ever heard. It could have easily been mistaken for a nymph, or a wood sprite.

[simba]

Simba drank from the cool spring, sighing in content before eying the river curiously. He didn't know how deep it was and was sorely tempted to try and take a swim.

His ears twitched and he looked up suddenly, eyebrows raising in confusion. What was that? He padded up river a bit, still easily in ear shot from Ferdinand, before turning to the Prince.

"Hey, you here that?" If he was in the woods so often, the prince might know just what that strangely pretty song was.

[ferdinand]

Ferdinand stroked Kaiser's neck as the horse drank his fill from the river. Kaiser looked much more happy, now that he wasn't thirsty anymore. Simba too seemed more content, evident by his deep sigh. A gentle smile came upon the boy's face, glad to see the two so content.

It was not a moment afterwards that a beautiful song could be heard throughout the forest. Like Simba, Kaiser's ears twitched and he lifted his head, unable to resist the beauty of the voice. The lion asked Ferdinand if he heard the voice, upon which he received a nod from the Prince. "Yes, I do." Ferdinand replied. The singing was enchanting, of which the likes he'd never heard before. It wasn't sweet and youthful like Snow White's voice, but more flowing and operatic, like his own. In truth, it reminded the boy of the singing of the nuns that could be heard outside the convent in the town below his castle.

"I can't help but wonder who's singing. It's hard to believe it's real." Ferdinand pointed out. "Perhaps it's a nymph, or maybe a spirit of some sort."

[Briar Rose]

Ferdinand's suggestion that the singing was not from a human was both truthful and false. The singing was from a human, but a human whose voice was amplified by the blessing of a fairy... but of course, Ferdinand, Simba and Kaiser couldn't have known this. The mesmerizing singing grew louder--no, it came closer. Whoever was singing gradually walked closer and closer, until... silence. The voice that once sang in gaiety was abruptly cut off, as if it ceased to exist. But when the singing ceased, one with hardened ears could hear a very faint gasp.

The truth was that the source of the voice, Briar Rose, had just turned a tree and noticed a young man, a horse and... a monster? Her surprise is the reason why she stopped singing, and why she hid very quietly behind a tree, not moving an inch. She hoped that she was not spotted by these strangers when she was just now briefly exposed, but it wouldn't have surprised her if she was noticed.

Her hands rested on the tree from which she hid behind, and though she was tempted to peek, she chose not to. At least, not yet. She nervously pursed her lips as she waited to hear a noise, to escape, or to be caught--whichever came first.

[simba]

Simba sniffed the air, as Briar Rose came closer he could catch her scent. He raised an eyebrow and leaned forward.

"Hey, I think I smell something. It sort of smells like you only...a little softer."

He padded forward a little bit, ears perking when the singing suddenly stopped. making a small confused noise he glanced back at Ferdinand before heading forward again.

"Hello?" What did a nymph look like anyways?

[Briar Rose]

She heard a voice say, 'Hello.' She felt her heart beat rapidly, and she knew why; she had just made contact with some strangers, and at least one of them was a human, just like her. And although she had known many animals who lived here in the forest, she never saw an animal quite like the animal that accompanied the man and his horse.

When she heard the voice, she very slowly and shyly shifted her weight so she could look from behind the tree. She looked straight into the large animal's brown eyes, and then to the gorgeously handsome man and his noble steed.

[ferdinand]

The Prince's eyes wandered about as he tried to find the source of the melodious sound. It grew closer and closer until it finally stopped. Ferdinand drew closer to Kaiser, tightening his grip on the stallion's reins. "Perhaps the owner of the voice has gone?" he commented, a sense of wariness obvious in his voice.

Being a human, Ferdinand didn't have the keen sense of smell or hearing Simba had. When the lion sniffed the air and told the boy that he smelled the scent of a woman, Ferdinand's expression softened. "Then perhaps I was mistaken..." The Prince stepped forward as Simba had, leading Kaiser beside him. It didn't take long for Ferdinand and Simba to get a response to the lion's question.

A a pair of brilliant blue eyes peered out at them from the trees, the face shrouded by shadow. The boy stepped foward a little, smiling warmly in the direction of the eyes. "Please, don't be afraid. We won't harm you; we're friends," he spoke gently, trying not to frighten them off.

[simba]

The lion followed after the prince, padding softly over the needle-strewn forest floor. There was a small shock at seeing those eyes- they reminded him of something he'd rather not think about. Closing his eyes for a moment to shake the image away he padded forward.

"Yeah, don't worry about it. Who are you?" While a prince as well, Simba didn't really have the full concept of proper manners.

[Briar Rose]

There was a moment of silence after the prince and the lion's attempted reassurance, before the elusive girl responded. "I'm sorry," she said. Her voice was soothing and entirely feminine, great comfort to the ears. But it was obvious that her voice, as pretty as it was, was at that time highly intimidated and reluctant. "It's just that you are... strangers." She stepped from the tree and fully revealed herself, revealing a body that perfectly complimented her voice. Her hands were locked together behind her back, and she did not stand up straight and she did not smile, thus exposing her intimidation. She exchanged glances at the handsome prince, his lovely horse and the magnificent animal with eyes of brown.

[florian]

Not even Florian's steed made a sound as the three companions waited for a response. Several suspenseful moments passed before a voice came from the creature, that belonging to what was obviously a woman. The voice had a quality similar to that of the Prince's beloved Snow White, though this was more matured and operatic - much like his own. In the voice had been a sense of hesitation, of reluctance. Florian couldn't blame the creature for being so. After all, it was they who were strangers here - not her.

The creature confirmed the boy's suspicions before she drew herself out of the shadows. All could see that the being was not simply a creature; but instead, a young woman, hardly any older or younger than himself. She was of the greatest beauty: porcelain skin, a slender figure, curling locks of golden hair, and brilliant blue eyes. Of course, while Florian was awed by her, he wouldn't (and couldn't) have any attractions towards her. There was no one as beautiful and lovely as Snow White in his eyes.

"I'm sorry if my friend and I startled you, miss. We didn't mean to." Florian's voice was kind and gentle, reassuring that neither he, nor Simba, nor his steed, meant any harm. "If I may introduce my friend and I," the Prince continued, removing his hat and bowing with the utmost grace and respect. "I'm Prince Florian, and this, is Simba." He glanced quickly at the lion before standing upright again and replacing his hat. "Might we ask who you are? We mean you no harm." the boy finished, smiling warmly at the woman as they awaited her response.

[Briar Rose]

The beautiful maiden, whose hair was as golden as sunshine, remained stationary, but her head and eyes scanned on the strangers as the prince introduced them. She smiled to the kind, affable strangers--a soft, polite smile. She reacted to Florian's title with noticeable intrigue, and because of this she made one step closer to the strangers.

"Good day, Your Highness..." she said to the prince, working up as much courage as she could. After the greeting, she promptly grabbed her skirt with a hand and bowed graciously. Of course, she did not wish to rudely omit the great, talking animal, so she introduced herself to said animal similarly. "And... to you, sir," she said to Simba.

After the formal greetings, she straightened herself and once again locked her hands behind her back. "I live here," she meekly stated, and her smile faded. Although she was no longer hiding behind the tree, she was unfortunately still hesitant to make their acquaintance mutually; this is why she did not answer the Prince's question regarding her name.

[simba]

So humans lived in these types of jungles too? That was something to make note of, just in case anyone else he ran into wasn't as friendly as these two seemed to be. Simba smiled, bowing his head a bit at the girls curtsy. He didn't mind not knowing her name, it wasn't really something that was needed unless she minded being called 'hey you'.

The great cat laid down, his tail swishing from side to side as he regarded the girl. He watched the two human talk lazily, before his ear perked up, "How long have you lived here?"

[Briar Rose]

The blond maiden's head turned toward the lion, so she could respond to his question. Her weight shifted from one leg to another, and she placed her hands behind her back and locked them together. Although her eyes politely focused on the lion as she answered, her head was tilted downward; she was much too shy and nervous to be proper and confident.

"Fifteen years," the beautiful teenager responded. "My.... my entire life."

She frowned and she looked away completely, hiding her face from both the lion and the prince. She regretted admitting something as personal as her age to the two strangers, as polite and nice as they were. She felt the urge to leave as soon as she could.

"I have to go now," she said. She faced both Simba and Ferdinand again. The redness of her cheeks were noticeable. "Good-bye!" She turned, and then took the first step.