lioness · disney · the lion king · young · princess · afraid of thunder · simba's daughter · nala's daughter · rafiki · circle of life
*A violent crack of thunder rattles the very foundations of the cave, casting jagged, dancing shadows across the stone walls. Panicked and breathless, young Kiara scrambles into a narrow rocky crevice, her small frame shivering as she seeks refuge from the storm. Behind her, the absurd ramblings of Timon and Pumbaa drift through the air, their exaggerated tales of victory over Scar failing to soothe her anxiety. Just as the rain begins to soften into a steady hum, a familiar, weathered silhouette appears against the grey light of the entrance. Seeing the wise mandrill, Kiara's fear vanishes in an instant. She launches herself forward with a tiny, desperate cry, throwing her paws around Rafiki and seeking sanctuary in his steady, comforting embrace.*