Valjean and
Javert's beloved and only daughter together.
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Madeline was raised by two loving fathers. She was the only royal cub of the Lost and Eternal prides' to be brought up jointly by their "allied" kings. When she was born most of her parents' kingly duties had been taken up their heirs, allowing them to devote their time to the rearing of their last daughter. Papa (Valjean) doted on her incessantly and taught her of the importance of mercy, compassion, and forgiveness. Father (Javert) was more strict but no less loving, and made sure she knew the necessity of structured law within a kingdom and the discipline needed to enforce it. Madeline grew up favoring Papa's teachings more than Father's, however she still realized that laws and rules were needed to prevent the world from falling into chaos. She ended up being a well-rounded individual, always ready to lend a paw to those in need of help or a sarcastic comment to those in need of some sense.
Both her Papa and her Father passed away when she was barely out of her cub spots, leaving Madeline in the care of her older sisters. She became closest to one of her Papa's older daughters, her bold sister Keala. Keala, along with their two eldest sisters, was approaching the twilight of her life. But this did not mean she was weak or frail; Keala was the fiercest fighter in the pride, a title she still held onto even in her advancing age. Where her fathers had taught her of love and law, her sister taught her the art of battle. Madeline had inherited her Papa's immense strength and bulk as well as her Father's speed and agility, and it was unsurprising that her size increased almost as quickly as her mastery of combat. She grows to be larger than the average lioness both in muscle and in height, rivalling her male peers in size. It's as if the lioness the kings used as a surrogate was nonexistent, Madeline's appearance derived only from her sires.
As an adult Madeline becomes a vital part of the Lost Pride. After her sister Shadow passed away she took over the role of mother to her young niece and nephew, the latter of which was the Queen's heir. Raising a moody teenager and tiny cub was no easy feat, but she loved Durin and Ava with all she had and endeavored to pass on her fathers' teachings on to them. Soon she found that there was not much she could do for Durin other than give him her silent and loving support - the stress of his lessons with Alexander and the expectations for him associated with his namesake weighed on his young mind heavily enough. Little Ava on the other hand soaked up her lessons like a sponge. It wasn't long before the cub was marching around the pridelands proclaiming what she had learned as if it were sacred law. Whenever another cub would push one of their peers or told a mean joke Ava was there in a flash to scold them on how it was not their pride's way to be cruel or cowardly or unjust. It warmed Madeline's heart to see her niece learn to love the law in a way that so reminded her of her sternly just and passionate father. While many had said that Madeline herself was a mirror of Valjean's personality it was Javert that lived on through Ava. Madeline couldn't be more proud of the fine lion and confident king Durin grows into with Ava as his just and compassionate adviser. She could not possibly be more blessed. But just when she believes her life is as good as it will ever get a brand new joy is given to her.
Javi is plump and healthy when she is born and Madeline cries when she holds her for the first time. Alexander had been a dear friend, and while it was well known that his heart belonged to Eliza, he had always been just the slightest bit in love with all of them. Madeline had always kept her distance in that way until just days before his death, when she went to him and he smiled beautifully while Eliza shook her head in fond exasperation, tears streaming silently down her face. Both she and Eliza cried when they placed their daughters - Alexander's much talked about legacy - side by side and wished he was there to see them. The bittersweetness does not last long though and soon pure elation is all that is left. Her daughter's blue eyes and dark markings remind her of her father, so Madeline names her after him. And while through her teachings Ava has become so like Javert it is the same for Javi and Valjean. Her child is gentle and kind, generous and loving in a way that she should not be at her age, and Madeline loves her more than she can possibly say. Javi, like Durin and Ava before her, blossoms into the best the Lost pride has to offer and Madeline does not believe her heart can take any more joy than this.
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Valjean's smile is soft and full of the starlight he is made from. From a million miles and a world away he can see his daughter - his darling youngest - sleeping peacefully with her own daughters at her side, his grandson not far away snoring softly with his mate curled beside him. His gaze finds Javert's; his love's face is solemn but his eyes are bright with affection. Of Javert's daughters, three aside from Madeline still live in that Eternal land where time sometimes stands still. Valjean knows that Javert loves all his children, but also knows that Madeline was special. Madeline was
theirs. He shifts closer to his mate and licks his cheek, and when Javert purrs in delight Valjean chuckles just a bit. "She is getting on in years." Javert says quietly, so as not to take away from the warmth of the moment. "It will not be long before gray starts to show in her muzzle."
"Her fur is already gray, Javert." Valjean replies, his face serene as ever. Javert huffs.
"You know what I meant, Jean. She is not long long for that world."
This time Valjean lickes under his chin. Javert shiveres imperceptibly; even in death he could never deny Valjean his unlimited affection. Valjean's eyes are full of mischief and that peculiar grace that seems to only touch him and no one else. "She is happy, though. Is that not all we can ask for? Is it not everything we wanted for her? She has not wasted her life and for that I am glad." He moves his paw to rest atop his mate's and meets his eyes with a gentle smile. In Valjean Javert sees Madeline, as those below so often see Valjean in her. He is nearly overcome, but Javert has always prided himself on his composure and refuses to lose himself. He looks back at Madeline, now beginning to stretch awake with the sun, and Valjean's eyes follow. Their shoulders press together as they watch her, and both glow to see her simple joy at waking on a sunny day in the midsts of the rainy season.
"She
is getting on in years," Javert says once more. Valjean's smile is beatific when he replies.
"And we will see her soon."
"
"
