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Abdullah was adopted from a war-torn land, ravaged by fire and greed. The ground was covered in ash, the remnants of a horrible nightmare that had yet to end. He was found by the queen Isatari, the deceased sister of Hakim, the current ruler of the Bongani Tribe.
When the queen found him, he was orphaned, scared, and alone. He was one of few lions who had survived the great fire, along with the brutal battles and raids. He was covered in scars, and burn marks. Ash coated his eyes, and he could not see. He mewed in fright when she picked him up off the fragments of burnt wood and ash.
She carried him home gently, and bathed him in a river, cleansing his eyes, and tending to his wounds. He was weak and hungry, so she fed him with the best food that she could find. She loved him like her own son, but she was worried. What if there were other lion cubs who needed her? What if she could save them too?
She left the village to re-visit the site of the battle, but she was never seen or heard from ever again.
Her brother, Hakim, took care of the lion cub in her absence. He named the young one Abdullah, meaning Servant of God. For surely this lion, the only known survivor of such a desolate place, was meant to do great things. Good things. Right?
Abdullah grew, into a powerful warrior, trained by skilled lions in the art of hunting, self-defense, and attack. He was a force to be reckoned with. Many began to fear him, because of his frightening appearance. The scars of his youth never faded, they ravaged his face and made him appear scary, evil even. His whole body was a depiction of horror. He never had any friends, his whole life, he had been avoided by others because of his outward appearance. Until he met her...
She was like no lion he had ever met. She was brave, confident, and sure of herself. She looked past appearances, and saw things for what they were, including him. She cared for all creatures, great and small, and paid them respect. She took an interest in healing, and began her studies as a shaman in training. Her elders saw great potential in her, and enormous power. But she would've given all of it up, all her dreams, everything... for him.
Abdullah fell in love with her, and she fell in love with him, for his big heart, sense of humor, compassion, gentleness, patience, and willingness to forgive and forget, no matter what. He wasn't one to hold a grudge, or belittle another. He was strong in spirit, and pure of heart. They were perfect for each other. But they were destined to fall apart..
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