Astronomy Domine

A gift from King Celestial Winchester, she was rejected because she was "not the coat I wanted." Though originally for sale, as they are allies and Winchester wants to cement his relationship with his predecessor's friend, he gifted this lovely lioness to The Sentinel. The Sentinel in return, promised to keep her until she dies. For now, she is a rising star in his harem.

During her early adulthood, Astronomy Domine started studying the ways of the shaman and officially became the Sentinel's shaman during her first pregnancy when she had the opportunity to visit the elder shaman Sangoma Tefnut and learn from her. She learned about the Great Ancestor Broodmother and the ancestors. She learned what the different herbs were used for and how to apply them, and gradually her knowledge filled the roll that she had chosen.

Everyone heard the rumors it was possible to transfer a king's soul into a younger body; however none suspected it could be done with lionesses as well. Astronomy Domine thought it a divine gift somehow granted to kings alone; however Sangoma Tefnut said she was wrong. So, it was she who first learned how the ability to transfer a soul from one body to another and though she found it intriguing, she did not want to do it to herself. However, Final Rest - an ailing lioness, volunteered for the task. And, when the deed was done Final Rest returned stronger, rejuvenated. A lioness with all the knowledge of an elder yet in a younger lioness' body.

Astronomy Domine was both thrilled, and afraid.

:Mid Autumn (Middle of Second Year):
First Heat - Sire: The Sentinel 43039

Autumn Leaves 229563350000 F (Deceased)

:Four Years; Seven Years:
Litter II - Sire: Hylian Hero 11159

A full fledged shaman, her responsibilities to her king as a member of her pride are still vital. However, due to her unique position as the pride's shaman, the Sentinel gave her a choice to breed or not. Cubs are demanding as is the giving out of advice. So, after some consideration Astronomy Domine decided she wanted to produce a second litter of cubs for her king. Though the latest trend in the Five Paw Conclave was to go with Ancient Wisdom, the shaman did not want to leave her territory at all. Her studies as a shaman were coming to a close and she felt every lesson at this juncture was too vital to miss.

Estel Domine 250361590000 F
Domine Magnifique 250361590010 F

:Six Years, Nine Months:
Litter III - Sire: King Acai 29625

Finally she birthed a son into the pride. The Sentinel was quite pleased with this addition and for all the male cubs he had seen go through his territory thus far, Astronomy Domine's first born son was one of the first he strove to keep in his pride as a male. The only question was how to do so as all the space he had for subordinate males was already allotted. It would seem when the little one was weaned that he would be going to Tsar'Gosen's territory - at least for now - until a solution could be sorted out.

Infernus Domine 277300370000 M

Until such time, she decided to train her son in the ways of being a shaman. Someone has to replace her when she dies... and having two shamans in the pride is a good thing.

:Early-Winter (Seven Years, Five Months):

Infernus Domine was sent away to train in the skills of a male. Astronomy Domine intended to continue her son's training when he returned.

:Mid-Winter (Eight Years, Eight Months):

Solstice Spirits came to her with words about a vision she had, the whispers she heard. Astronomy Domine in turn told The Sentinel of this matter. She said she might take Solstice Spirits as an apprentice, for it was obvious the young lioness was blessed with a gift. The Sentinel concurred this would be wise. At least for now. When Infernus Domine returned, they would reconsider the matter.

:Mid-Winter (Eight Years, Nine Months):
First day of new Lunar year.

Early in the morning, Solstice Spirits came to Astronomy Domine with a story of visions about saying farewell to aging lionesses meant to take the journey to the ancestors. Her mentor relayed that she meant to go to these same lionesses.

Astronomy Domine took her apprentice with her when told The Sentinel of her desire to speak with those who would walk the path soon. Astronomy Domine added she wanted Solstice Spirits to come with them. The Sentinel concurred she might come with them as he too meant to speak to them and gave them his farewells.

So, Astronomy Domine and Solstice Spirits helped over-see the farewell ceremonies of both The Mentor and Amethyst Shadow. First it was to The Mentor. The Sentinel, Astronomy Dominei, and Solstice Spirits approached the guiding light of the pride. The Sentinel introduced Solstice Spirits was the new apprentice to the pride's shaman.

The four spoke at length about whom should be given her title and position. The Mentor wondered if Astronomy Domine might aid her in a farewell ceremony with her blood-kin. Astronomy Domine agreed that they should go that evening and have a farewell ceremony.

Astronomy Domine said, "It is appropriate for the Lunar New Year."

Solstice Spirits replied, "Oh yes, beginnings and endings."

Then they went to the elderly Amethyst Shadow. The Sentinel said Solstice Spirits was their shaman too now, and so the Ancestors spoke through her. Solstice Spirits suggested Amethyst Shadow go to the whispers. She spoke of her vision and how the spirits instructed her. The four spoke for some time, and in the end Solstice Spirits suggested a farewell ceremony. Astronomy Domine told of the one they planned for The Mentor and her blood-kin. Amethyst Shadow agreed. She said her farewells to The Sentinel then.

--Amethyst Shadow's Farewell--
Amethyst Shadow invited her blood-kin: Snowflake, Biker Chick, Fractured Memories to participate in her farewell ceremony. First they went on a final hunt together. Solstice Spirits and Astronomy Domine bore witness to the ceremony, and spoke to the Ancestors for Amethyst Shadow. She sought Illynallah too, asking the Grey Lioness to grant Amethyst Shadow a warrior's rest.

As the eldest of the daughters present, Snowflake promised her mother she would tell their sister, Amethyst Inferno, about her later years and this ceremony. They knew she was important to their mother due to the trauma the two shared, and it was a sad day that the two could not be reunited before Amethyst Shadow went with the Ancestors to Illynallah.

Biker Chick held their mother the longest and then turned away.

Fractured Memories brought her still-nursing cub with her, and was glad to see the joy in her elderly mother's gaze. When Amethyst Shadow looked upon the then-unnamed cub she said, "Oh Precious." Solstice Spirits, felt this a sign. Astronomy Domine agreed. So Precious was named by her grandmother.

--The Mentor's Farewell--
The Mentor sought out those blood-kin who lived in The Sentinel's territory. For these were those she cared about. Alas, only one still remained in the territory, her daughter, Ora Pro Nobis. Of The Mentor's blood-kin, Ora Pro Nobis alone remained.

However, Ghostly Wisdom too was summoned for she had a great honor coming to her. The Mentor told Ora Pro Nobis and Ghostly Wisdom that she meant to make Ghostly Wisdom her successor and had discussed it at length with The Sentinel, Astronomy Domine and the shaman's new apprentice, Solstice Spirits. Ora Pro Nobis was glad for the decision. Ghostly Wisdom was a worthy choice to succeed her mother.

In the evening was the ceremony. The Sentinel attended so he might guide in the first part of the ceremony. The passing of the title. Astronomy Domine and Solstice Spirits bore witness to the title and position of The Mentor being passed to Ghostly Wisdom. The Mentor became The Guiding Light and Ghostly Wisdom now The Mentor. She altered the position to be Mentor: Ghostly Wisdom and everyone concurred this was quite good.

Then, as before, the participants went for a final hunt together. She-who-was-The-Mentor said her farewells to her blood-kin and her successor.

:Mid Winter (Nine Years):

Though heavy with cubs, Ghostly Wisdom went with Ava Sinistra and Funika on their first hunt. As the new Mentor, she felt it her duty to do so. Astronomy Domine came with them for it was a great Rite of Passage, and the older of the two shamans felt each new hunt should hence forth be celebrated thusly.

:Late Winter (Nine Years, Three Months):
-Sunset's Reflection's Farewell Ceremony-

Sunset's Reflection's life long dream was never realized. She wanted a darker coat. Despite this lack, she led a good life and wanted to rest. She asked Astronomy Domine to help her with her farewell ceremony, as the shaman had for the other lionesses of the Storm Pride. They discerned that Ruby - her eldest daughter - was close. She lived in King Spock's territory. The shaman went at once to invite Ruby to the ceremony.

Astronomy Domine, approach King Spock with the news that Ruby's mother, Sunset's Reflection, requested her daughter to come to her farewell ceremony. "Sire, the cub you gifted Lord Thunderpaw has grow to a lioness and produced many cubs. She joined The Sentinel's Storm Pride some years ago and has had a good life. However, her journey nears the end. As she is on the verge of her last year," the shaman said, "I am conducting a ceremony to seek the blessings of the ancestors so she might walk the path to them. Ruby is invited if she wishes to come."

King Spock sent his highest regards to The Sentinel's pride and to Sunset's Reflection. As he told Ruby about her mother she expressed that she would be honored to join her mom for her last months of her life. Spock cannot keep his honor and pride for Ruby and her mother to himself so he has given permission to Ruby to spend as much time as she needs with her mother.

Sunset's Reflection was overwhelmed when she saw Ruby accompanying Astronomy Domine back to The Storm Pride. It was a joyous reunion, even if they had spent their lives apart, mother and daughter still had the bond that only a mother has with her cubs. They spent the day catching up and Ruby told her mother about her grand-cubs. Fiery Night, Ruby's daughter, was with King Spock's pride and happily nursing a cub of her own. It made Sunset's Reflection's heart lighter to hear the news that Ruby was doing so well.

In turn, the elderly lioness told of the other cubs she bore during her lifetime, and the half-siblings to Ruby who were out in the world's lands, somewhere. The Storm pride had been good to her.

During the evening of what might be her last night, Astronomy Domine sought out the ancestors and asked them to accept Sunset's Reflection into the great Sky Pride. She sought the storm's blessings as well, and made offerings for the lioness. Sunset's Reflection was forever grateful to King Spock for allowing Ruby to be with her during this sacred ceremony.

:Late Winter (Nine Years, Four Months):
-Creamsicle's Farewell Ceremony-

The Sentinel summoned Astronomy Domine and Solstice Spirits to organize Creamsicle's farewell ceremony. He asked them to gather those who wished to attend. As it turned out, everyone who knew her wished to do so. Even the Scion attended, which surprised everyone as much as everyone appearing surprised Creamsicle.

Though Creamsicle was sure no one save the Sentinel and the shamans would come to her farewell ceremony, the entire pride attended. For she was the beloved First Wife of The Sentinel. Her passing to the realm of the Ancestors was the ending of an era. Everyone took turns going on hunts with her, and then each lioness and subordinate male said something they loved about her. Creamsicle was moved to tears by the great love showed during the ceremony.

:Nine Years, Six Months:
-Vampire Kiss's First Hunt-

Astronomy Domine and Solstice Spirits helped celebrate Vampire Kiss's first hunt. They were quite successful and brought back a Sable Antelope and a young Giraffe.

:Late Winter (Nine Years, Eleven Months):
-Shadow Strike's First Hunt-

Astronomy Domine and Solstice Spirits accompanied Shadow Strike on her first hunt. With their help, she successfully brought back two elephant calf carcasses. Though Shadow Strike was concerned for Solstice Spirits due to the fact the younger shaman was pregnant, they assured her not to worry for Solstice Spirits was only there in a supervisory capacity. She meant to help only if Shadow Strike needed it. Between Astronomy Domine, Cloud and Vampire's Kiss, Shadow Strike's first hunt was quite successful and a great deal of fun for all the lionesses involved.

:Early Spring (Eleven Years, Tenth Months):
Litter IV - Sire: The Sentinel 43039

During a hiatus from her duties as shaman Astronomy Domine came into heat. The Sentinel visited her in King Gold Dust's lands at this time and a few weeks later she gave birth to two beautiful fiery cubs.

* 362990970266 F
* 362990970267 M (Deceased)

:Early Spring (Twelve Years, Two Months):
-The Sentinel's Farewell / The Sun Rises-

:Twelve Years, Three Months:
-Day of Mourning / Molten Chocolate's Farewell Ceremony-

Astronomy Domine came to her apprentice during the morning. She said to Solstice Spirits, "This is a day of mourning for the Sentinel, so the Sentinel's Sun has decreed. We will ensure the others know. There is also a matter that needs attending to, please help me shift those who have gone on into the wilds." Solstice Spirits learned that not only the Sentinel but also Crystal Forest, The Banshee and So'Felosa journeyed to the ancestors during the night.

Solstice Spirits spent the better part of the morning shifting the bodies of the deceased into the wilds where they would rejoin the lands. Those who left no longer had use for them and the insects and scavengers would relish the food.

When it was completed, Solstice Spirits found the Warden and looked to his injury again. It healed well. She gave him a salve to prevent flies from following him. Then, she went to her den to prepare for the night's ceremony. She spent the day in meditation.

-Molten Chocolate's Farewell Ceremony-

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.

The Sentinel's Sun arrived. Initially 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.

:Mid Spring (Twelve Years, Six Months):
-Touch of Ruby's Farewell Ceremony-

None of her cubs were there to keep her company in her old age. She had a very small farewell ceremony. Astronomy Domine and Solstice Spirits were there. However, Touch of Ruby asked that no one else attend. She did not want the king to attend either, for there would be no comfort from him. He was not her king. So she passed into the world of those who are waiting, joining Molten Chocolate, Fresh Fallen Snow and Snowflake.

:Mid Spring (Twelve Years, Eight Months):
-Tsar'Lena's Farewell-

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.

:Mid Spring (Twelve Years, Ten Months):
-The Guardian's Farewell Ceremony-

Everyone attended The Guardian's farewell ceremony, even the Scion, for despite his hatred of the older lion, he considered the Guardian a worthy opponent. Astronomy Domine conducted it and her words were tear-choked so much that she had to start over twice ere she could say the proper words of departing.

What could be said about the once nameless cub becoming The Warden and ending life as the Guardian? He was the greatest of those who protected the pride and did so all his life, with no ambitions to be the king. The Guardian's goal was to keep the pride safe so that the Sentinel's cubs might live in peace. So it had been since he aged to adulthood. Now, he stood at the threshold of his elder year, the last among those who walked the lands.

It was a terrible day the day that the pride was forced to say farewell to this beast, feared by his opponents and mighty to be reckoned with when in battle. Yet gentle with cubs, and devoted to every lioness. His eyes did not stray to those who belonged to his king, and his head bowed easily to The Sentinel as well as The Sentinel's Sun - even if neither father or son demanded his loyalty. They had earned it and he was happy to give it.

The Queen Mother lived to see this day, and she too was sorrowed for his passing into the area of those-who-wait. For when his time came and The Guardian became one of the ancestors, The Sentinel's Sun would truly be alone. He alone would be able to defend if the Scion decided to attack again. The Warden was simply not up for the job, too gentle and caring was he, too calm of spirit and heart.

The Guardian listened as Astronomy Domine spoke the words of farewell and he lowered his head for he was sorrowed that he would soon depart. This was the end for him, as it always happened. What more could he say but 'farewell'?

It was on this day that the first shaman of the Storm Pride realized it would not be long before she would be the 'honored departed' and Solstice Spirits conducting a farewell ceremony for her.

:Mid Summer (Thirteen Years, Nine Months):
Last Litter ? - Sire: The Sentinel's Sun

For what is likely to be her last litter, Astonomy Domine borne the Sentinel two beautiful daughters.

Satellite Radiation 441983490097 F
Aunt Lete 441983490098 F

:Late Summer (Fifteen Years, Six Months):
-Departing of the Shaman-

Astronomy Domine felt the weight of age upon her and knew her time was drawing nigh to become one of those who spoke from the stars. She sent for her family and her daughters Estel Domine, Domine Magnifique and Satellite Radiation attended her farewell ceremony. She appointed Solstice Spirits the lead shaman. She asked that they take care of Infernus Domine so that he might grow well into his roll and know her in spirit.
******
Teaching of the Shaman
The words of the Shaman:
Shaman Afer
Sangoma Tefnut says:
"Fire lights the spirits' path."
"Ubulawu mixture for a spirit trance. It takes 3 Ubhubhubhu and 3 Uqume."
"Four Dream Roots allow speaking to the ancestors."
"To fend off hyena spirits: 2 pawfuls of Uzara and 2 pawfuls of Nut Grass."
"Umganu to calm a restless ancestor."
Sorcerer Sphinx Says:
"One of your great grandfathers has visited my dreams last night. Please bring me 5 samples of Buchu so I can show him your respect with a few whispers."
_____________________________________________

Stats 567

Specials
Slot 3: Black Panther (40%)
Slot 5: Vitiligo 2 (88%)

Notes: CHANGE BASE
Her name comes from a Pink Floyd song, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn album.
Spock Notes -
Not the coat I wanted. Will be for sale. If you want her please let me know. Will give a discount if you promise to keep her till she dies.