Mandarin's mother, officially the kindest and sweetest of all the pride's lionesses, serving as guide and comforter to all of them when any trouble arises. There seems to be a wisdom in her beyond what she should know and be aware of, but nothing can pry the past from her. Lady is a lioness defined not by her past, but by the future she made for herself.
Little is known about Lady, including where she is from and what her name was. It is said she never had one, and that her name was unintentionally given by Izumi when he called to her, "Hey, little lady. Why are you out here on your own?"
She was a slim lioness with a lanky build, seemingly unused to hunting but trying regardless. Her eyes were the color of the star-filled sky and reflected an unspeakable sorrow within, yet managed to shine with hope. She looked frail and weakened, but she gave off an aura of strength. To many, Lady looked unremarkable, yet she kept herself well-groomed and sparkling always for the sake of her own honor. She was unremarkable, yet there was an air around her that drew in others and endeared them to her. She seemed to be a living contradiction, something that should not exist but keeps on defying that reality.
Lady had an ethereal air of tranquility surrounding her, as if she existed in a world separate from all others. She managed to keep a level head regardless of the situation and seemed to serve as a mother figure for almost all who came across her. When she walked. her steps were light and graceful, brimming with confidence, and she never lacked a gentle smile on her muzzle. Lady had a warmth to her that seemed to draw everyone, and she loved it. However there also seemed to be a subtle coldness to her existence, as if she herself didn't know what she did or didn't feel.
She was touchy and clingy, always longing closeness with another. She twisted her words to get others to stay with her, and she entrapped them with her presence. Her heart was cold and always sought warmth, but it seemingly could not hold the heat. She was lonely even when surrounded by others, and didn't feel an attachment to many. And it scared her more than anything.
Izumi came across her as an adolescent wandering on her own and brought her home. She was quiet and reserved at first but upon spending time with the Tranquil Emperor, her true sweet nature immediately became apparent. Having been shown such kindness, Lady took honor of the name given to her by Izumi and swore to live up to it; she became a lioness of finesse, grace and beauty.
She was assigned to the Second Hunting Party as a Common lioness, where she would serve her entire life. Quiet and reserved, Lady preferred to live a quiet and peaceful life, sticking mostly her to herself. While she was still relatively young, she had a rendezvous with a male who was marked bu the stars, a male a long, silky black mane. She would surprise the pride by giving birth to a cub marked who inherited that birthright. The cub was to be known as Prince Mandarin, who was recognized as the reincarnation of the Second Emperor, Khryses. Although she didn't want her son placed in the limelight, she allowed him to be betrothed to Princess North and she supported him when Izumi passed and the pride needed a leader.
Feeling was often foreign to Lady, but when she gazed at her cub, she could not help but be filled with love, and Mandarin was her baby, her first son. Though she seemed the perfect mother, she would hover around him constantly: groom him well past the right age, sleep with him really close to her, manipulate him into staying by her side even as he grew old enough to be independent; she had no bad intentions in mind, but Lady longed for a deep connection to her son. Mandarin grew to love his mother and respect her more than everyone, but her love also poisoned him. This is why Lady was perhaps the only lion aware of her son's true nature and she couldn't hate him for it. She understood that the root of his flaws began with her, and were only made worse by the feeling of superiority his rare fur gave him. She tried to steer him onto the right path subtly, which he would pretend to entertain and never take. He would do his misdeeds out of her sight and put on an act of perfection and kindness around herself and everyone for her sake. He did not want to disappoint her, and that was his way of showing he loved her.
Not too long after Mandarin reached adulthood, she had another litter of cubs where Yuzu was born. More experienced, she sought to raise her daughter correctly; Thus, she kept her insecurities under check and guided Yuzu as a kind but stern mother, learning that she had to allow her cub to grow and learn by herself. Yuzu, who was born gentle and slightly emotional, would grow to be one of the most beloved lionesses, even by her older brother Mandarin. The ice princess would stay by her side as well, joining the ranks of the Royals.
When Mandarin became the Emperor Regnant, Lady was forlorn that her son would bring harm to Emperor Izumi's family. It was then that she knew that Mandarin could not be returned to sanity, and it made her heart heavy. She could not bring herself to hate him for his cruelty, as she loved him. Lady would weep to the stars often, hoping they would guide him correctly.
She lived with her two cubs until she gave birth to Helix, who also did not want to leave her mother. Helix would be the lioness to take her place in the Hunting Party when the time came for her to retire, and Lady spent much time training her young cub. However, soon Mandarin brought in a young, unruly cub that would not come close to anyone. She found herself adopting the obnoxious adolescent Saya, who quickly regarded her as a mother as well despite having a disdain for her son. She knew he did not trust others easily, so she was extra gentle and soft-spoken around him. The moment she cuddled the cub, he was drawn to her and thus, Lady became the only lioness to have four technical cubs in the pride.
Saya was unique, in that he would be completely intolerable to everyone else but act like a complete cub around Lady. Only around her would he allow himself to be groomed, or show any sign of playfulness. He would pick flowers for her, which she would lovingly take and place in his mane. She learned that Saya had a very feminine side to him; That he loved flowers and being called pretty, though he urged her not to tell anyone. She thought he was adorable, and could not help but spoil him whenever he could.
Because of Saya's unique body and personality he would often come to her for advice, which she would speak to him honestly about. She realized he had no problem with cruelty, but then he would be guilty about it. She became aware of his turbulent emotions, and how he struggled with them. Though she attempted to guide him, his rebellious nature seemed to make him disobey her. He liked to find his own way, and that was why she loved Saya, as obnoxious as he was.
This was why, when he mentioned he wanted to leave, she wanted to know why. He would not tell her but before the young male was even aware of how he really felt, she knew he had fallen in love with her son. Well, she knew Saya wanted some things at least, by the way he spoke and acted. She did not tell him, already having tried to help them and also knowing she could not completely butt into these situations. The only thing she could do was let him walk his path, as she should've let her son do many years ago. So when Mandarin came to her, sullen and serious, she knew Saya had left them. She kept a strong face for his sake, but that night she huddled her cubs near her to keep her company.
Months later, Saya would return to them, but as a true adult. She was the first lion he greeted, running to reunite with his adoptive mother. He was much bigger than her, but when he placed his head against her's, he was still a cub to her. She felt proud seeing him again then, even prouder of the confidence he showed in his actions and the announcement that he was ruling beside her son. Whatever decision they had made together, she knew they would be happy, and she was happy for them. Lady considered herself lucky to be surrounded by her children again.
She was lucky to have them. Which was why, when she grew older, she did not fear anything. When her frail legs gave in and she fell to the ground, Saya was there to help her up. When she shook her head no at him, he gave her a knowing look and ran without a second thought. Within moments Yuzu, Helix, Mandarin, Saya and her young granddaughter Koyuki gathered around her, eyes widened and worried. All of her cubs were good, even if they weren't.
Lady could only manage a weak smile before her vision went blurry, and the last thing she felt was a warmth unlike anything she'd felt before. Five lions were huddled around her failing body, five lions who she loved and were loved by. She could feel Mandarin's presence nearby, and she could smell and feel the tears he was shedding for her. Her last thoughts returned to the beginning, when it was just her and her young son beneath the stars. And then it was over.
Lady ascended to the stars, where she awaited for the call to guide her son. But he never called to her again, ashamed that she could now see his actions and judge him for them.
Interactions:
Lady gives a soft purring sound as a greeting, and moves over a little so you can lay down beside her.
You were pacing back and forth, frustrated at losing to a puny hyena earlier. Suddenly Lady comes up to you, and softly tells you that no one is thinking badly of you for it. She soothingly kneads your mane.
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