Sumatra

While you're relaxing by the edge of the pond, a curious little fanaloka suddenly comes running out of the bushes, and bops you on the snout with its little paw. Confused, you just stare at the strange little creature, which proceeds to plop down beside you and take a deep breath, basking in the morning sun. You turn your head to look around to see if anyone else is witnessing this, but you're alone, and when you look back, you realize you truly are alone, for the fanaloka has seemingly run off again. The sun's rays suddenly feel warming, and more healing then they had, and you swear you can feel a lioness brush her muzzle across your face.


Here lies Sumatra. A whisper of the past.

~~~~~ ~~~~~

Sumatra the curious, would be Queen of the Placid Pond Pride
Under the rule of King Mercutial


One of the first lionesses of the Placid Pond Pride, and always Mercutial's favourite lioness, even if neither of them would ever admit it. Curious, kind, and wise, Sumatra is often an advisor and confidant to Mercutial. Many refer to her as the queen of the pride, but she refuses the title, considering herself on equal footing with all of the women of the pride. She enjoys participating in teaching the cubs, and being a part of their lessons. She is also a good and steady hunter, though she rarely takes the lead during hunts, and has helped to bring in many meals for the pride.


Though sometimes cub-like in her enthusiasm, Sumatra does hold the wisdom of age, and has always been a gentle guiding force for the pride. She speaks very little of her past before the pride, or of her cub hood, claiming she sees only what's before her own paws, and where the future leads. When not found by Mercutial's side, or training cubs, she's most often hunting alongside Zarassa, trying to keep Obwati in line, or picking Dathryn's brain about the creatures that live in and around the pond. Ever curious, and ever learning.


Intro under Mercutial
Towards the back of the cave, a golden lioness with light undersides is laying, her tail flicking playfully as she watches you enter the den. Her eyes are fixated on you as you move through the cave, passing by the gentle sub male and other lionesses. When you choose to approach her, she springs up onto her feet like a cub, a gentle smile on her muzzle as she meets you in the middle. "Welcome stranger," she says softly, before she sits in front of you, and before you can even offer a greeting in response, she adds, "Tell me. Who are you? Where do you come from? Why have you traveled out this way?" It seems as if her questions might continue, but she finally pauses, and then waits for you to respond, her bright eyes waiting intently for your answers.

~~~~~ ~~~~~

Getting to know Sumatra

What is your favourite food?
"My favourite? Well, it tends to be a rare treat, but my favourite is mudfish. They taste so strange, and they're such curious creatures. What other food do you dig up out of the ground in dry season? What other fish even live in the ground? Yes, mudfish, definitely."


What is your favourite item for amusement?
"My favourite? ... Well, I guess that would be a serval tail. Have you ever played with one? They're soft and fluffy, but hold their shape much better than something like a feather. You can bat it around a bit, tickle cubs with it, and when it does start to fall apart, it makes for a great addition to any nest. Don't go telling any servals that I said all that."


What's your favourite season?
"Well, I'd be crazy not say the wet season, wouldn't I? The dry season has some fascinating things... like mudfish, and we always do alright, of course... but I never really worry about the pride going hungry or thirsty in the wet season... and it is generally just more full of life."


What's your favourite time of day?
"Oh, well... I couldn't choose if I'm honest. The day time is busy and full of life, and cubs. At night though... that's when things are quiet, and I can really just lay down with Merc, and take things in... and a good old night hunt is a good bit of fun."


Which biome do you enjoy the most?
"Well of course, this waterhole is home. For hunting or exploring though... I suppose that would be... hm, jungles? Or tropical forest type areas... they're just different to what I know. Such fascinating creatures and plants there, and everything is always so alive. Even in the dry season."


Which lion are you closest to?
"Mercutial, of course. What other answer would there be?"


Which lioness are you closest to?
"I suppose the answer would have to be Zarassa. Of the lionesses here, she's the one I've known the longest and by far the one I spend the most time with.
Then, of course, I have a very special relationship with my three daughters, Abianne, Luala, and Suma."


What are your hobbies?
"Besides hunting? Is that considered a hobby? Teaching cubs, if that counts. I suppose following Dath on patrol to ask him about all the creatures he's befriended is something I like to do from time to time."

~~~~~ ~~~~~
Special Notes: There's nothing fancy about this lioness really, I've just had her through a lot of my hiatuses. She was an NCL. I also love the blaze marking.