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Iliyopambwa means ‘gilded’ or ‘decorated’, Wema is incredibly proud of the boy. He is named Crown Prince just before his second birthday, replacing his older half brother Isakari, who was heir apparent. Luckily, Isakari doesn’t really care, he’s found a posting as a guard in a prominent pride, and leaves his homeland behind. And, since Wema is still so young, it’s unlikely either of them will ever rule.
His mother and friends use the nickname ‘Iliyo’.
Iliyo may look distinguished with his golden dapples, but he’s actually a little scamp.
When Mruki killed Brond and took over the Kalahari Pride, Wema sent his son to scout the borders and determine if his mother and sisters still lived. Instead, Iliyo was captured, and held as a hostage, preventing Wema from invading Mruki’s new territory. Wema was furious, but could do nothing without risking harm to his son, something he would never do.
Iliyo spent almost a year as a hostage, never knowing if he would live to see the next day. The one bright spot during this time was his cousin, Shauku, who became his best friend and source of comfort. The two young males spent all their time together, and eventually found they saw each other as more than just friends. Since they are technically related, having the same grandfather, they kept their relationship quite so as not to upset anyone.
When Rego, the exiled prince of the Kalahari Pride, returned to retake the throne from Mruki, he sent Iliyo home after his victory. Upon his return, Iliyo devoted himself to the life of a guard, going so far as to renounce his right to the throne and present a new potential heir to his father: Yowë, a promising adolescent from the Kalahari Pride. Iliyo is determined that should and usurper like Mruki ever rise up in the Hidden Valley Pride, he’ll be there to put them right back down again.
As for Shauku, the two remain very very fond of each other, and maintain a long distance relationship. They did eventually tell their family, and were surprised when no one objected! Cousin marriages are common in prides, especially for royalty, with betrothals and the like. And, the two will never have biological cubs, so blood ties are not an issue. (Their parents were VERY logical when explaining this, both boys were beyond embarrassed 🤣)
When his younger half-sister Lessa is born and immediately named the heir by their father, Iliyo is made her Royal Guard. While he doesn’t think Lessa is the best choice as an heir, he performs his duty honorably. On the day his father is dethroned, Iliyo is determined to protect his charge, and the kingdom.
He needn’t have worried. Regandi proves to be an excellent candidate for king, and wins over everyone, even old king Wema, fairly quickly. Iliyo is forced to admit this is a much more suitable heir: a full grown lion strong enough to best Wema, not a tiny little girl cub who’s not even weaned yet.
Regandi even offers little Lessa the position of Queen, when she is grown, as compensation for her lost throne. Iliyo finds him honorable and courageous, and is pleased to be made leader of the Guard. He is even more pleased when Shauku moves to the Hidden Valley Pride to be with him! The two spend the rest of their days leading the guard together, and soon marry.
Shauku passes a few months before Iliyo does, and Iliyo spends most of his day at his beloved partner’s graveside, speaking to him almost as if he could still see him. The pride’s cubs, most of whom revered Shauku and Iliyo as beloved, doting grandfathers even if they were of no relation, often join him to hear his stories, and leave little presents on Shauku’s grave.
When Iliyo passes, he is buried beside his love, and the pride leaves tributes for both of them.
~Iliyopambwa walks up to you and suddenly rips a huge fart. He runs away laughing madly...WTF.
~You were quietly stalking a lizard for fun...when suddenly, Iliyopambwa charged in and tore up everything trying to catch it! Well, that was still entertaining, at least. 3x
~You sit there, trying to wake up from your nap, and suddenly Iliyopambwa challenged you to a duel! Seriously dude...can't it wait a bit? 3x
~Iliyopambwa runs up to tussle with you for a bit before running off again, always looking for adventure.
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