— “Memories in the Breeze” — "Sarafina"

Sarafina watched Nala in silence, as the wind blew through the trees of the savannah. The cub seemed restless, with his eyes fixed on the ground. What had happened with Mufasa, with Simba... everything was stirring in her. Sarafina knew it was time to open a door to the past — one she had always avoided.

Sarafina (in a soft voice): — "Nala... it's late. But before you sleep... can I tell you something?"

The cub looked up, curious.

Nala: — "Is it about daddy?"

Sarafina hesitated for a second. Her heart sank — even after so many seasons, it still found.

Sarafina: — "Yes, my love. About Rakash."

She lays down next to Nala, nuzzling her with her tail. The sky was beginning to change color, turning pink and gold.

Sarafina: — "Your father wasn't a Lion Guard member, as some people believe... He was a simple lion. Strong, but kind. He loved the stars and said that each one held a story. He liked to listen to more than talk... and he smiled easily, like you."

Nala (smiling a little): — "Would he save me from a stampede?"

Sarafina (laughing softly): — "He would save anyone, even if he didn't have the strength to do so. He was stubborn... and very brave. When we were just cubs, he loved to play climbing the tree branches, until one time he got stuck, and the branch was about to break, he would fall. He would have hurt himself badly... if it weren't for the Lion Guard back then."

Nala: — "They saved him?"

Sarafina: — "They saved him. And since then, he came to believe that the kingdom's balance comes not only from strength... but from purpose. He said that "the spirit that defends the cycle of life never disappears, it only changes form."

Nala: — "And what happened to him?"

Sarafina looked at the sky for a moment, then lowered her eyes, tenderly and carefully.

Sarafina: — "One day, he left to protect other lions who had gotten lost in the southern lands. Too many hyenas... too long. He didn't come back."

Nala: — "Was it Uncle Scar?"

Sarafina took a deep breath, softening her gauze.

Sarafina: — "Sometimes, there are shadows that grow even when the sun is high. Scar... was part of the council back then. He sent your father on a mission... dangerous. Much more than he claimed to be. I... can't prove anything, daughter. But since that day, I never trusted his eyes again."

Nala (looking up at the sky): — "Do you think he turned into a star?"

Sarafina smiled, with tears in her eyes.

Sarafina: — "No... I know he did. And he shines every night, so that you never get lost."

Nala (yawning): — "I wish I had met him..."

Sarafina (stroking her head): — "You do, my daughter. You have his heart."

🦁 Note for Players: You can play Sarafina, a character from the scene, or an original character.