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His father said to him: "Illynallah will guide you, if you allow her. May your courage never fail you. May wisdom follow your steps and honor live within your heart. May you walk the path of honor and keep wisdom within your soul. If you find the burdens heavy or the opponents mighty, call upon your allies - the Guardian is here, as are the others. They are your strength."
*The Story of The Sentinel's Sun*
Born from The New Dawn, Tsar'Lena, and the king of The Storm Pride, The Sentinel, this young male will inherit his sire's kingdom.
Even from an early age Tsar'Lena told her son of his destiny. She told him tales of The Storm Pride and of the great grey lioness of Storms - Illynallah.
:One Year, Six Months:
Soon to come of age, Dawn's Royal decided to put the Sentinel's Sun through his paces. They would spar every morning. This is how Royal would make sure this young male knew his place as a *sub* male. However, fate had other ideas.
:One Year, Seven Months:
From before he could remember his mother, Tsar'Lena, would tell him stories about his sire. Many times he asked her why they did not live in his lands. She explained to him that she had come to live in this pride when she was very young, while it was still under the rule of King Red Dawn. She had spent much time visiting The Sentinel's over the years, however the King would not let her go even more so now with Dawn's Royal as king.
:One Year, Eight Months:
-Bitter Partings-
The day his mother was leaving had come. After their sad yet sweet goodbyes he promised, on Illynallah's name, he would come to join her. He would do as his mother asked, become stronger and wiser, till the time was right for him to follow her trail to the Storm Pride. To his sire's pride. To his pride. As a token of the right to rule, he was given Drongo feathers to wear, so when he came to the Storm Pride they would know he was to be king.
:Early Spring (Two Years, Eleven Months):
-The Sun Rises-
Tsar'Lena told The Warden the time had come that her son join the pride so he might take over when The Sentinel laid down and did not awaken. She feared The Scion might attack The Sentinel and the king lose, so she arranged for The Guardian to stand watch throughout the day. Meantime, she sought out the Warden and asked him to fetch her son before it was too late for father and son to meet and before the bitter civil war that was brewing occurred. More than happy to assist who was now the Queen Mother, The Warden made his way to the territory of Dawn's Royal.
There he found the Sentinel's Sun and told him of the dire situation in the pride. Summoning up great courage, he said he would keep Dawn's Royal occupied so the Sun could make his escape. So it was that The Sentinel's Sun left Dawn's Royal and never looked back. He found his way to The Sentinel's territory via the scent of both The Warden's trail, fresher and easier to follow and the older but wider trail of The Banshee and Tsar'Lena returning to it.
The fire coated young male lion arrived at the pride's gathering in time to hear the tail end of his father's speech to them. Or perhaps the words stopped due to his appearance. Lionesses and cubs alike gawked at him. His eyes of deep emerald yet his mane and paws so resembling The Sentinel's there was no mistaking him. This was The Sentinel's Sun. As further proof there was the Shining Drongo decor gleaming from his mane.
The lionesses parted for him, a sea of whispers and surprised comments in his wake. A fine young silver lioness caught his attention briefly and he suddenly desired her above all others. Her eyes haunted him. He resolved to seek her out when he was king and learn more about her, like what her name was and why she struck him with such force merely by looking upon her.
Then he found his mother, Tsar'Lena, as she paused briefly in front of him, long enough to rub her head against his.
He returned the gesture with a whispered, "Mother..." And he was grateful to see her again. He had so much to tell her.
It was easy to see the joy rising up from her heart as her gaze shone to look upon him. "At last you are here. Another challenge may yet lay ahead of you..."
"I am ready. I learned well." He said, referring to the years of hard battles with Dawn's Royal. This was why she told him to wait and grow in strength. There was another that would challenge him, and he would not allow this to be. He was meant to be the king of the Storm Pride, it was the destiny he had lived for in the last two years of his life. Now all the training from the fights that the other king had done with him, those meant to remind him he was but a subordinate, now they were coming to the fore. He was an eager fighter, and ready for this final challenge to his right.
The young lion was filled with anxiety as he went to The Sentinel and he bowed to his sire. "I have come, sire... father. I would have come sooner, yet in her wisdom mother told me to wait. Wait until I was strong enough. Now I have..."
Before he could finish, the Scion leapt from where he had been watching the proceedings. He placed himself between the Sentinel and the Sentinel's Sun, using his body weight to shove Solstice Spirits aside in the process. "You are not welcome here! This is my den. If you think you can come and claim kingship here, little cub, you are wrong." He snarled and his mane seemed wider and thicker than usual. His eyes burned brighter with the hatred he felt toward the upstart.
"Scion!" The Guardian declared and rushed to the scene.
Yet the Sentinel held a paw and tossed his mane. He snarled in a swift threatening fashion. "Be still. He is who he claims to be. This is my son..." And this comment drew further whispers, concerned mutters and a few murmurs of surprise. "...and he is the heir I declared to take the Storm Pride when I with Illynallah."
The Scion did not look away from the Sentinel's Sun, and though he dear wanted to go to his father, the Sun could not look away from his opponent. For now, it was a stand off. There was no reason why the Scion did not attack that very moment.
"Yes and that is why..." The Guardian began.
Again The Sentinel cut him off. A swift glance and a growl. He was still the king. "If he is to be the king, he must be able to defend the territory, to take on all those who oppose him." He tilted his head toward the Scion, silvered mane glinted in the sunlight. "The Scion is someone who opposes him. My son must prove he is a worthy king. It is the way of things. Do not interfere. This is between them."
Believing that meant The Sentinel did not support his son, the Scion made his move. He spared only a moment long enough to say, "Good, then I shall take pleasure in his death."
The Sentinel and all the pride watched the fight between the young lion and the Scion. During this time The Warden returned, bloodied and injured from a fight too. Though others wondered at the state of his bloody chin and the torn flesh of his muzzle, his story would wait until this conflict was concluded. The decision made.
It was a bitter combat, with bloody blows reigning down on both sides. Teeth flashed, claws buried deep into fur. In the end, the match was closer than the others anticipated, so great was the ambition and hate of the Scion, who had been brewing in his own malice for the majority of his life. [Scars: Nose Scratch, Hip]
However, in the end, the Sentinel's Sun prevailed. He stood proud and a wind rose up as though the Lioness of Storms approved of this display and blessed the victory. Tsar'Lena, the Guardian, and the Grey Lady rushed to him. Solstice Spirits attended what wounds he received.
"You are the king of the Storm Pride. I pass this pride and all I have created to you. Keep it safe." Said the Sentinel, and he went to his son and for the first time in his life, bowed his head to someone else. This then his acknowledgement that the young lion was The Sentinel's heir, as the old king decreed.
He spoke the words he lived by these many long years, the wisdom that allowed him to create a mighty pride and territory from nothing save a watering hole. "Illynallah will guide you, if you allow her. May your courage never fail you. May wisdom follow your steps and honor live within your heart. May you walk the path of honor and keep wisdom within your heart. If you find the burdens heavy or the opponents mighty, call upon your allies - the Guardian is here, as are the others. They are your strength."
The Sentinel's Sun looked to the Guardian, "I will heed your advice sire." He stood straighter and looked to the sky as he continued to speak. "My heart is with Illynallah, for my mother spoke of her and all her glory. I shall keep the Storm Pride strong, father. You will be proud of me."
"I already am, my son." He rested his forehead against his son's and felt peace at last. Now he could leave the lands with the knowledge it was in good paws.
Astronomy Domine blessed the change in leadership. What began as The Sentinel's Farewell Ceremony concluded in the coronation of his successor. All bowed to him, save the Scion who was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps he would return, perhaps not. No one missed him...
So the story of the Sentinel concluded, and the Sun rose. And his coat was stained with the glory of his name. [Base: Inferno]
:Early Spring (Three Years):
-Long Live The King-
His first day as the king. He awoke to Astronomy Domine telling him that as expected The Sentinel passed on to the ancestors during the night. However, Crystal Forest, So'Felosa and The Banshee also all joined those who had come before. Upon hearing this The Sentinel's Sun was saddened, and wished he had the opportunity to tell The Banshee how grateful he was for the part she played to help his mother escape the lands of Dawn's Royal.
The Shaman said she found the four huddled in The Sentinel's den, wrapped around one another, at peace. She knew it was because the three lionesses had been waiting, waiting the long months that it took for the Sentinel to be ready to come with him. "How else could it happen that all four departed on the same eve?"
"So it is." The Sentinel's Sun, who was in truth now the Sentinel for he took on his father's name and title. "We will take them where their bodies will join the wilds, and then we will continue with our lives. Today shall be a day of mourning for The Sentinel and for those who have gone before us."
"So it shall be sire." And she left to instruct Solstice Spirits to do this deed.
Tsar'Lena, now truly the Queen Mother, came to her son and they spent time together, simply being together. She spoke at last. "How are you?"
"I am well.. and, over whelmed."
"Learn the lands. Learn the lionesses. Greet them this day. Take your time. Avoid those in heat for now." She spoke with all the wisdom of her years and he knew then he would rely on her as he always had.
So, the Sentinel's Sun walked the length and breath of his new territory. He considered the words his father told him the day before. Sometimes Tsar'Lena walked with him and sometimes Astronomy Domine did so.
In the morning he found three lionesses together. A dark grey one with two adolescent lionesses leaning against her. One adolescent had pale lavender in her markings. The other had an odd coat and bright blue eyes. He gaze into those shimmering depths and found radiant light within them, "Your eyes are like jewels."
Then he continued on.
During the early afternoon he found himself near the watering hole. There the Warden was speaking to a tawny adolescent female.
"What happened?" The tawny female said.
He thought her name might be something Lullaby.
The Warden replied: "Well, I was..."
"He was defending my escape from the king who attempted to keep me from my destiny. The Warden deserves everyone's respect for he faced down a much greater foe to defend an ally. Ask him to tell you the story so you might know of his courage." By their reactions it was obvious neither one was expecting to hear him.
"Sire!" The female - Hearthside Lullaby he recalled - rose to her paws and lowered her head. Though she had her head lowered, she could see in his bright eyes he was genuinely surprised at the gesture.
The Warden went to the Sentinel's Sun and inclined his head in respect. "I am glad you are safe... sire...." The word was odd to say to someone besides their ice-eyed king.
"It is thanks to you, Warden. I will never forget that." The Sentinel's Sun thumped his forehead against the Warden's. "Wear the scar with pride for it was from a great deed."
"I... I shall sire," The Warden said, sounding quite surprised at the statement.
Heartside Lullaby moved closer to the two males, and her movement caught Sentinel's Sun's eye.
"I see our father in you." He said to her.
She was unsure how to react to this comment, and before she could think of a response, he was gone again, wandering away from The Warden and her.
From there he ventured around the waterhole and met up with a trio of lionesses on the far side. A pale grey lioness with stars in her coat, an inferno-kissed lioness with eyes of snow and a dark grey lioness with a pink spotted overcoat and what appeared to be a raven sitting on her.
The snow-eyed lioness immediately introduced herself. "I am Crimson Hourglass, sire." She moved toward him and lowered her head, though her eyes always stayed on his emerald ones.
"Erona, one of the... one of your scouts. I will find new territory when you need it, and hunt for new members of the pride when you desire them. This is White Breeze." The dark grey lioness tilted her head as she indicated her raven, sitting upon her back. "White Breeze will deliver messages for me. He is a swift and intelligent helper. Any... any who you see with a raven are your scouts." She offered him a helpful piece of advice with the hope he would not look unkindly upon it.
Finally the star-spotted female stood up and approached their new king. She looked into his eyes and then lowered hers in respect and after a moment, took several more steps toward him. She put her forehead in a tentative gesture against his. She accepted him as their new king. "I am Blackthorn Asylum, my king."
The Sentinel's Sun waited until all three had spoken. He leaned into Blackthorn Asylum enough to acknowledge her gesture, their foreheads touching, blue meeting green. Then, he drew back enough to look upon all three of them and in his soft-spoken manner, he replied: "Good morning ladies. Eron... oh, Crimson Hourglass. Your name suits you. Erona and your White Breeze... thank you for the advice. I shall keep that in mind when I need scouts. Having a raven to assist you is a good idea. And Blackthorn Asylum, an interesting name for one with stars caught in her coat I would imagine something that related to the sky. Yet it is your name, so it is a good one."
"Thank you sire."
"If you... if you need anymore assistance with... with names and the ways that that... your father had... if you wish to follow them that is I mean... I..." Erona seemed rather tongue-tied and shy too.
"Then I shall find you, Erona. There are many who are quite helpful in that regard. And yes, I do intend to continue the old ways. However, there may be some new ones. For now, the only thing I do is seek to learn everyone's name..." He chuckled, and the lionesses laughed a little with him. "...there are quite a few to learn. I barely learned all the members of the pride wherein I grew up, and now I have more to learn. The more important ones. Thank you for your time, all of you. I trust we will know each other better in the future."
His eyes touched each of theirs. "For now, I must depart. I would like to meet everyone this day, and the territory is vast."
They bid their farewells and the king departed.
He went hither and yon throughout the day, avoiding any lioness that he could sense was in heat.
Not long before sunset, the new king was joined by his mother. It was as always a good thing for him and for her too. She did not spend long with him; however during the time they were together they happened upon three lionesses under the shade of a great, flowering tree. Among them was one of the eldest lionesses in his new pride. She was almost pure white.
The lavender and golden lioness spoke first: "Welcome, sire. I am Fractured Memories, so named by your father. And well met again, Tsar'Lena ... you are the queen mother now by rights."
Tsar'Lena looked thoughtful at this. "Yes, yes I am." She said at last.
The Sentinel's Sun inclined his head toward Fractured Memories. "It is good to meet you, Memories. And aunt, how are you this evening?" He spoke to the elderly lioness then.
"I am Snowflake, and I am filled with sorrow for the loss of my king." Snowflake replied.
Her lack of addressing the Sentinel's Sun as the king did not to bother the younger lion. He understood that the transition is not easy for everyone, especially no doubt the older lionesses.
As though to apologize for, or show that not all his pride bore the same sorrow and lack of respect or acceptance as Snowflake, the third lioness went to him and rubbed her body against his. She was a brilliant plum color with deep blue eyes and the youngest of the three. Her aroma immediately enticed him.
He was genuinely surprised with the ease she accepted him, and he leaned into her as he accepted this gesture.
The plum hued lioness said, "Good evening sire, I am Rose of Winter and it is a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to getting to know you better." She all but purred and perhaps this was due to being so close to heat.
The hell-kissed lion stood straighter, and he issued a soft rumble of approval. His emerald gaze born amusement and a hint of lust. A lioness in heat after all, was not an aroma easily ignored. Even in near-heat, her hormones and scent would be alluring and powerful to him. "It is indeed a pleasure to meet you Rose of Winter. Memories, Aunt Snowflake, I look forward to speaking more with you both. I must away now. We shall speak again."
So the king took his leave from them. And The Sentinel's Sun wandered until the sun set and Astronomy Domine came to him to inform him they would be conducting Molten Chocolate's farewell ceremony. "If you desire to come?"
"I would not intrude..."
"You would not sire. And... and your father always attended the ceremonies to bid farewell to his lionesses."
"Then I too shall do this."
-Molten Chocolate's Farewell Ceremony-
Thus, during the evening, The Sentinel's Sun attended his first Farewell Ceremony. Astronomy Domine and Solstice Spirits were there. The Guardian too was there, for it was Molten Chocolate that guided him to the Storm Pride when he was but a nameless cub. She was the closest thing to a mother he had had growing up.
He marveled at the traditions already ingrained within the Storm Pride... within *his* pride... and he was merely a silent observer to Molten Chocolate's ceremony. He did not expect her to come to him and rub along his body.
"I feel you will make a mighty king, Sentinel's Sun. I will stay until I no longer can and perhaps we will know each other better."
"Thank you, aunt." He replied, addressing her as was respectful to those older than he. She would only ever be his advisor, so an aunt she was. "I am glad that we did meet, if only briefly."
The ceremony continued with first Astronomy Domine and then Solstice Spirits speaking to those who came before. They spoke of the long wonderful years that Molten Chocolate had within the Storm Pride and how she was ready to join the ancestors - to join her Sentinel. The stars were out by the time it ended.
---
The Sentinel's Sun continued his wanderings into the night, and finally he found his way to The Grey Lady. They did not speak. She merely went to him and they laid together, her leaning on him a little. It was as though a bond had formed between them even before they met. Perhaps it had been formed when their eyes connected the day before. Perhaps it had always been there.
He knew in his heart and by her smell she had never mated. She waited for him, wanted only him, and he was grateful that his sire had not pressed the issue. The Grey Lady would be his lionesses and his alone. He felt her tremble close to him and invited her into his den. She accepted, and it was there that she would sleep every night thereafter for the remainder of their lives.
:Early Spring (Three Years, One Month):
He secured his place as the king of the Storm Pride when he took Night Watcher in her heat. Only the king can mate with the lionesses, so he therefore became the king on this day not only in title but also by right of claiming.
Not long after he found a spring of some strange origin. Drinking from this, he felt rejuvenated and found that he was now some years younger than he had been previous (Age 3.1 --> 2)
On his way back from the spring, while he was exploring more of his massive territory, he encountered a rogue lion. They fought and though the Sentinel's Sun chased the intruder away, he was left with a reminder of the battle. [Scar: Hind Left Leg]
:Mid Spring (Two Years, Five Months):
-Tsar'Lena's Farewell-
This was the day of departing for his mother. He was beside himself with sorrow for he knew that though she would likely live yet longer, this was her official goodbye and she would no longer be considered part of the pride. The Sentinel's Sun woke up gloomy and distraught. Not even the gentle words of the Grey Lady could comfort him. She went forth to hunt and The Sentinel's Sun made ready for the ceremony.
He met then with Astronomy Domine and Solstice Spirits. They told him of tidings that other lionesses were coming from the pride of Dawn's Royal to participate in the ceremony. The lionesses did not know who was coming; however heard rumors that the Empress Primrose herself was among those who meant to attend the ceremony. Of course he was quite honored, and so made ready for their arrival. He knew the Empress quite liked his mother.
Not long after his consultation with the shamans, Grey Lady fetched The Sentinel's Sun in near secrecy. Though he asked her what it was about, she only shook her, and he could see the sorrow in her eyes. He feared the worst had happened already. To see his mother alive caused his heart to jump, yet as she lingered so far from the main den area, he realized then her intentions.
"Mother." He said, with the same tone as he had when they were reunited on the day of his coronation. Again he rested his forehead against hers and they were silent for a moment.
"My cub. The king yet still my cub."
"Yes, always." The king's voice was strained with emotion. His last word a whisper: "Always..."
The Grey Lady backed away, gave them a moment of private. Their last moment.
"And I will always be here, with you." She pressed her head stronger against his. "I - we - your sire and I - will always be here. Seek the stars for our guidance. You are as much my heart as the Sentinel. He... he would be proud of you."
The Sentinel's Sun could do nothing but nod. He did not trust his voice. He had everything he wanted, found a mate in the Grey Lady he never expected and yet his family was leaving. His blood relations (he had no idea his sisters were coming to attend a ceremony that would never happen).
No more words passed between them. They stayed this way for some time and in the distance the roars and mutterings of other lionesses could be heard as the new arrivals appeared in the lands.
No more words passed between them. Finally, they parted ways.... and she would never see him again...
The Grey Lady waited until Tsar'Lena had departed and then she approached The Sentinel's Sun. "We must go. There are others waiting... the ceremony should continue regardless."
"Yes, you are right of course." He managed to reply, still in shock.
She led the way back to the others and a murmur rose up to see the stunned state of the still-new king.
When he realized others were staring at him, The Sentinel's Sun stood taller and tossed his mane. He would not allow them, especially the Scion, to see his sorrow. Later, in the privacy of their den he would grieve with the Grey Lady at his side. Later... for now he was the king.
Astronomy Domine was the first to approach them. It seemed to the king that she had been waiting for them to return. She said simply: "She is gone. The queen mother."
He nodded: "She is gone. It is her wish to leave."
"So be it." The shaman replied. "We will have the ceremony still. There are the rare times that those who are ready to depart chose this path instead. I shall conduct it as Solstice Spirits is not prepared for such an event, and truth be told, I meant to conduct the ceremony."
"I am honored," replied the Sentinel's Sun.
"She was queen mother to us all, no matter how short the time, my king."
The king inclined his head to her. "Thank you."
So it was that the ceremony commenced with Blood of Tsar'rin, Tsar'rin, and War Dawn Rises in attendance. War Dawn brought her young cub, Dark Dawn.
The Sentinel's Sun was quite surprised to see his sisters and half sisters in attendance. And of course pleased.
Empress Primrose was there too. She had with her a Violet Garland. "This is for Tsar'Lena, for she will be missed. She is missed in my pride. Yet, where is she?"
Astronomy Domine saved the king from replying, "She chose the way of the wanderer and went into the lands before the ceremony."
"Hmph, that wasn't nice." Pouted Dark Dawn. "I want ta meet gran'."
"Hush, little one," War Dawn Rises quietly reprimanded her cub, "It is not fair, I know however it is her choice and is the way of things." She added: "Though I am very sad she is not here. I would have liked to see her again, I miss mother."
The king nodded and his sisters murmured their concurrence.
The Empress was troubled, "Hm, then how shall I give this to her?" She indicated the violet garland with a sweeping paw.
"I do not think that will be possible, Empress." Ventured the Grey Lady.
She looked down at the much younger lioness. Her tone understandably haughty. "And who are you?"
"I am the Grey Lady."
"She is... I suppose she is my empress." The Sentinel's Sun admitted then publicly what the others in the pride only suspected until then.
Blood of Tsar'rin and War Dawn Rises whispered to each other as they eyed the silver lioness with new appreciation.
Empress Primrose considered the Grey Lady a moment. "Ah, then you are as dear to the heart of the king as his mother? I think, I shall gift this to you in her stead." She went over to the Grey Lady and draped it over the lioness' neck even as the other uttered brief whispers of protest. "Nonsense, if you are his favored and so his empress then you should have this. It is fitting. I hope that one day you will be the queen mother and be able to pass this to the love of your son's life."
The Grey Lady and The Sentinel's Sun had a moment together. "It suits you." He said.
She flushed and ducked her head. It was the moment that the shamans took to officially begin the ceremony.
Astronomy Domine spoke on Tsar'Lena's contributions to the pride in her short time within it. Her mentoring of the adolescents and going on First Hunts with several of the young lionesses. She gave praise to the way the queen mother accepted her new role, held high the edicts of Illynallah and offered herself in service to the pride from the very beginning. The shaman extolled the delights of Tsar'Lena's pleasant and gentle personality, her strength and quick tactics and great leadership during hunts. Finally she commented on the great ways that Tsar'Lena raised her son, who was now the king and who honored all those under him with an equality unmatched by any save his sire.
By the end, few were the dry eye of the pride. Even those who did not have the privilege of knowing Tsar'Lena well were wrought with emotion for the queen mother they had loved during her scant months among them.
After the ceremony, Empress Primrose and the Grey Lady moved together, conversing in low tones that were occasionally filled with soft chuckles.
As they spoke, the king watched the way Grey Lady moved, admiring her. He could smell her heat approaching and knew he would be able to take her at last. While he mused on the enjoyment of the moment, Blood of Tsar'rin approached The Sentinel's Sun. Tsar'rin and War Dawn Rises lingered close to her but far enough away to not interfere with the conversation.
War Dawn Rises played with her cub to keep her entertained during the exchange between the king and their eldest sister.
"Sister, it has been a long time it seems." He bumped his head against Blood of Tsar'rin's.
She pressed hers against his in return of affection. "And you have aged and yet not aged. You look barely older, indeed truly younger than when we last saw you, little brother!" Blood of Tsar'rin laughed, despite the day.
The Sentinel's Sun could not help but chuckle. It was good to see his sisters here and it warmed his heart to know they still lived. Even their short visit here was good for him. Too, he was now not the only one filled with the great sorrow of losing a mother. "So sister, what caused you to take this long journey? Was it truly only for our mother's farewell?"
"Sun... I ... well, we would like to join the Storm Pride."
The Sentinel's Sun was taken back at the request. He only considered it a moment. Them joining meant he would have blood-family once again! "Of course you are welcome to join. The territory is vast, I am sure you will be welcome. But - why are you seeking to leave the pride of Dawn's Royal?" He asked.
They did not speak. Their expressions told volumes that went left unspoken. Empress Primrose and the Grey Lady were close enough to hear the conversation. War Dawn Rises glanced toward her and the Empress rumbled.
"Do not fear, War Dawn , I will not say anything. I do not think the king realizes you are leaving the pride. I will soothe his mane. This will not be the cause of a pride war."
The king snorted, "With all respects, Empress, I have my doubts. He already holds me a great grudge for taking Tsar'Lena and leaving myself. No longer living under the yolk of his oppression."
Blood of Tsar'rin's eyes widened to hear Dawn's Royal called such and her sisters muttered their surprise, yet all had witnessed the brutal ways that Dawn's Royal sparred with the Sentinel's Sun, the daily attempts to force his brain to accept a submissive role in life. As a king, he had every right to speak his mind, they were merely not used to this thing.
Empress Primrose laughed. "Of course, sire, it is as you say. I will assure he will not bother your Storm Pride. While my paw might not be enough to break his strength, my words can quell his anger and I have... other ways of subduing him." Her eyes narrowed with laughter and she sought the Grey Lady's gaze.
The blue-eyed lioness' eyes opened wider. She ducked her head and laughed now too, the pleasant notes muffled by her new neck piece. "Yes... it is as you say, Empress."
Though the king knew a moment had passed between the two favorites, he would never quite understand what he missed.
So the day ended with three new lionesses joining the Storm Pride, and one leaving. A day of joy and sorrow that would be long remembered by all within the pride.
:Early Summer (Two Years, Eleven Months):
The year and months passed so quickly, few in the pride realized he was already fifteen years until it was his time. Solstice Spirits came to him, and he shook his head and bowed it to her. "I would not have a farewell ceremony. This is the best way to do these things. The Sentinel's Sun will lead the pride as the king, and this is good. I will stand and fight with him until I draw my last breath, but I will always be the outsider." Though saddened by this, Solstice Spirits respected his decision. He passed into the lands of 'those who wait' without notice save by the shaman and the Sentinel.
For the Sentinel's Sun bid him farewell and put a great paw over the elder lion's shoulder. He bumped his forehead against the other male's. "Thank you, my friend. Go in peace."
:Late Summer (Three Years, One Month):
The Rebel, Twilight's Sentry, Malkia, and the beloved Princess came to the age of retirement within weeks of each other. Astronomy Domine and Solstice Spirits decided the best course of action was to have a massive farewell ceremony, and then a great party. Many lionesses were already among 'those who wait' and they had both the Guardian and the Monger to watch over them.
:Mid Summer (Four Years, Five Months):
The Sentinel's Sun earned yet another scar in battle during the time he fought a hyena. [Scar: Blood Drip]
:Late Spring (Five Years, Six Months):
The fury of the hells rose against the Sentinel's Sun and the Storm Pride as the darkness sought to claim some of his lionesses. The pride fought against the darkness and demons that rose from the depths, plaguing the lands this time of year. Though in the end the pride was victorious and no lives were lost, the Sentinel's Sun paid a heavy price. He was cursed further by the hell touch. [Infernal Glaze Slot 1, Infernal Mane]
:Mid Winter (Six Years):
The spirits were restless. The time of the shamans was again upon the lands, and those wanderers came into the Storm Pride's territory. They asked the Sentinel's Sun to do quests for them so they could see into the spirit world and understand the ways of the ancestors, predict events that would occur in the coming seasons, and do the other-worldly things that shamans were apt to do. In exchange for his services, they made him stronger and granted him markings to enhance his appearance so his pride would prosper. [+5 Stamina, Strength, Speed and White Inverted Brindle]
:Late Winter (Six Years, Eight Months):
The Sentinel's Sun was exploring his territory when he encountered a strange zebra. Too light to be a normal zebra, but it was still obviously one for its stripes were visible despite the pale skin. He was curious about the creature, so began to stalk it. Unfortunately, the zebra spooked and kicked him. It caught him in the face and rent a great flap of skin away. He knew what to do next time he encountered such an oddity. Eat it. Pale zebra or no, it was food. [Scar: Long Left Eye].
:Mid Summer (Nine Years):
The Grey Lady finally granted him a son! When he heard the news of the cub's gender, The Sentinel was quite proud and so named the cub The Sentinel's pride. And yet, the Sentinel's pride was much weaker than his older siblings, and not nearly as pleasant to behold. He was goodly of nature, it was true. The Sentinel wondered though, if this was what Illynallah truly wished the future of the Storm Pride to hold - a weak king. Troubled by his son's failings, he set about to begin the cub's training immediately and hoped for the best.
Many years as king still awaited him, so time for more sons was good enough. He was not the eldest of his father's sons, so The Sentinel's Sun need not chose his eldest to ascend after him. Only the strongest and the best should be the king of the Storm Pride. And only a son of The Grey Lady would do....
:Early Autumn (Ten Years, Ten Months):
During a fight with a rabid lioness, The Sentinel's Sun contracted the accursed disease. As a result, many of the younger cubs and adolescents in the pride were destroyed when he spread it through the lionesses. He also received a scar as a reminder of the fight. [You lost -10 energy and gained +198 EXP, +2% impression progress , and found 9 scattered silver beetles, and got 6 blood beetles Oh no! You contracted RABIES!, and received a Scar: Short Left Eye!]
:Twelve Years, Nine Months:
Yeaaah! You levelled up successfully and gained +15 Strength & +4 Speed & +7 Smarts & +9 Stamina & +5 Agility !
Your energy has been replenished to 100%.
:Twelve Years, Ten Months:
The Sentinel was in a mighty fine mood this day and set out to breed all the lionesses who were in heat before sunset. It was a massive task. During one such encounter near the edges of his territory, a marauding lion happened upon the pair. The king and the stranger fought, a bloody battle that left the Sentinel's Sun with a new scar. [Scar: Protector]
:Thirteen Years, Six Months:
The search for an heir continued. The sons produced by his beloved Grey Lady were not lions of leadership and strength. Though he could use a precious gold beetle to alter one of his youngest daughters, neither of them were strong enough to lead either. The seasons rolled on, The Sentinel's Sun felt the call of his sire, The Sentinel and Tsar'Lena, his dam. Vague though the sounds, the distance was ever-decreasing.
The king continued his search...
:Thirteen Years, Nine Months:
Yeaaah! You levelled up successfully and gained +6 Strength & +11 Speed & +16 Smarts & +6 Stamina & +3 Agility !
Your energy has been replenished to 100%.
:Fourteen Years, Eleven Months:
On the eve of a new season, the winds howled throughout the night. Then, somewhere during the time that the moon was high and the cold early morning whispered the suggestion of the sun, the winds stopped. The lands were still, as if they knew what was to come with the dawn's first light.
The event was a great tragedy indeed. The Sentinel's Sun woke from a troubled sleep to discover The Grey Lady was not by his side. While she was oft known to wake earlier than he, there was a scent in the air that suggested something amiss. The previous night she smelled of faraway lands and strange tidings clung to her fur.
He stepped quietly around the sleeping pride as he left the Royal Cavern and greeted the new day. His bones creaked as he stretched and shook his massive mane. Though it was his custom to roar a 'good morning' to the Sun and to his Storm Lioness, something stilled his throat this day. Instead, he was bathed in curiosity and growing concern. The Grey Lady's scent lingered in the air, on the rocks, as though she had passed that way not long before. Curious at her absence and the odd miasma that now gripped his heart, The Sentinel's Sun followed the path. He sniffed and paused here and there as he walked.
Hours past.
Near a hollow of a fallen baoboa tree, among the tangled remains of the massive roots, he found her. She was still warm, yet she did not respond to his calls. She did not move when he groomed her mane. As he realized the truth, he felt crushed. His body trembled and he fell to his knees in despair. For a time, the king was still in his sorrow.
An ant crawled on to the Grey Lady's muzzle. It meant to take away what she no longer needed. Through some respect or insect reason, it did not begin the task, did not call its fellows, as though it waited for The Sentinel's Sun to have his peace with her.
He realized by the ant's coming that he must stand up and move on. The truth must be told and time moves on. Life's cycles continue.
The Sentinel's Sun stood up, tossed his mane and called out a great roar. The roar contained all the grief stored within him. Not only for this discovery but for all the lionesses that in these past few weeks had retired to the lands of the ancestors. This had been a harsh season for them already, for the old, for the weak. Now, The Grey Lady took her rank among them. For now, he thought only of the pain and the sadness. For now, he focused on that hurt. Eventually, it would cool. Eventually he would find a way to tell the rest of the pride, and eventually they would move on. For now, nothing else mattered than the death of his truest friend.
So it was that The Storm Pride was cast into mourning. It was a grave day. To honor the gnawing that they felt in their hearts for the loss of their graceful Queen, no one hunted. Let their stomaches remind them of the loss and the pangs of emptiness. The cubs, nursing lionesses and adolescents ate from the pride's store. Everyone else spent the day in silent contemplation as the shamans said rites over the body.
The Sentinel's Sun knew his beloved had struggled to stay strong while he searched for an heir to his pride. Now, he would have to continue his task alone. She had been much grieved that she had not been able to provide an heir for him, and yet she provided many beautiful lionesses, each one contributing their blood to the Storm Pride. Their union would ensure that the blood of The Sentinel and Tsar'Lena continued to flow through the pride.
Yet the question still remained, who should take over The Sentinel's Sun when he left to seek his beloved Queen on the paths of the ancestors?
:Fifteen Years, Four Months:
The Sentinel's Sun was informed that several lionesses fled King Frosted Barrage's territory. Crown of Honor said Redemption was among those who ran. The Sentinel procured the necessary items to both bring her back and ensure Crown of Honor and Redemption would make it back safely. "Go get her." He said.
Crown of Honor compiled in his usual, unquestioning way and went away to retrieve Redemption from the wilds. He returned her to the Pride of Light until The Sentinel was ready to bring her home.
______________________________________
Looks great with Inferno Base and Emerald Eyes
-Starting Stats
420
-Specials
Slot 2: Fiery Undercover (81%)
Slot 10: Fiery Undershine (84%)
*Razor Mane
*Ice Eyes
*Slot 4 Onyx Coat
*Slot 5 Twilight
*Slot 6 Tail Banding Silver
*Slot 7 Leg Banding Silver
*Slot 1 Infernal Marking...
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