Ceres

Ceres was found close to the river, soaking wet with burned and smoking grass and dirt around her. She was a star from heaven above, a gift from the Gods. She was special as she was young. Her adolescence was what gave her, her innocence. Her eyes glowing with the souls of the previous rulers of the pride, of the stories of the huntresses who once roamed the very same lands they hunted, of the Kings who have passed away and fallen to a higher power, of the Queens who ruled with irons fists or kind licks to the head.

Their stories resided along her star-soaked pelt. Covered in the stars from above and reflecting her coat. Her coat was black but her colors made her glow and shimmer in the night, like a night-light for the cubs. Once Ceres was grown-up, she would be the first mother lioness of the pride, a Governess. She told stories to the cubs, told stories of the pride's history despite never being told it. She spoke of the finer things in life, the best creatures to hunt and where.

Ceres, however, never told them stories of the pride she came from. Illunaie, a lioness who's eyes held history as well, asked her where she came from. Ceres fell silent and looked up at Illunaie, their star glowing eyes bringing a connection between them. She didn't know. She didn't remember and she always looked scared when asked again. Illunaie made sure no one asked her anymore that question.

To Be Continued..