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Arcadia was given a message from her long deceased grandmother that her half brother, Anorien would become king of an arid land, far away. It was the first time she was spoken to by her ancestors. The message was clear, though not powerful. He was to become king elsewhere, not the leader of this rpide.
Shortly after her vision, she also discovered that she was able to communicate with Anorien from some distance away. Though it was not with words or images, it was often with emotions when moments of great happiness or distress affected her. He had been gone for a few years now, almost from their birth. But she knew he lived and was happy.
As she has aged, her abilities have grown stronger, though her eyes have begun to fail her. Its been getting harder to hunt and she has increasingly relied on Caerwyn for help. His own age has been creeping up on him. As of late Caerwyn has been feeling the twilight of his years. Between the two of them they would enjoy long soaks in the sun and short conversations about the weather. The two of them have grown very close.
Arcadia noticed a difference in Caerwyn one autumn evening. The old lion seemed weakened. His left eye drooped and his gait seemed awkward. She did not address this to him, it would not be her place and would only insult his pride.
She knew it was time.
As he stiffly rose up to his feet, from a long sun nap, Arcadia looked up into his beautiful eyes and wordlessly said goodbye. He groomed her ears and thrummed low in his chest, a soft song of tenderness. After a moment of lingering affection, he turned toward the savanna and began shuffling into the fading sunset. As she watched his silhouette disappear into the growing darkness, Arcadia felt a nagging at the back of her mind, the cry of her heart to her brother, conveying to him that the great king had passed.
Her heart ached and cried out within her breast. Her beautiful Caerwyn was gone. Standing, she let out a long sorrowful roar. The other lionesses around her joined in, casting their voices into the mournful chorus which raised up to the stars.
The King had died. Long live the mighty King Caerwyn!
The next morning, a new surprised awaited the lionesses of the Caern Clan.
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