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Shira was the firsborn of a Noble-Lioness and a Guard from a prosperous pride. Unfortunately, when her mother and father realised she wasn't growing out of her spots, they couldn't bear the shame. They carefully planned their daughter's 'tragic' death, waited for the rainy season, and cast her into the engorged river that ran through their land. It wasn't far from their small, private den, making it easy to claim she had gone out durning the night and been swept away.
Shira was extremely lucky. She could swim, but she was pretty terrible at it - and the torrent of water was relentless. Fate intervened in the form of her cubhood friend, Thabiti, who was an excellent swimmer and had been out of her den that night on pure chance.
Thabiti rescued Shira. but they were both too young to hunt much more than mice. Shira had been a relatively high-ranking young lioness before her parents tried to do away with her, but she wasn't anything special.
Thabiti's brains came through when they were stumbled upon by a rogue lion and his small pride over a week later. She desperately pleaded to join the ranks, even if they weren't ready to hunt yet. Thabiti was valuable, but Shira was certain she wouldn't be accepted.
To her surprise the lion was merciful. His eyes sparkled when he gazed at her and gently suggested that she may be skilled in areas other than hunting. He indicated one of his lionesses, visibly pregnant, and Shira bristled for a moment before realising what he meant. She had always loved cubs, and desperately wanted friends, although most of the others in her old pride rejected her for her strange looks.
Here, she would have acceptance, kindness...a clean slate. This was her place. This was her home now.
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When King Yuriy arrived in Achilia's territory, looking for a lioness suitable to provide him with an heir, Shira was the only lioness in heat. He looked her over, taking in the various scars her siblings had provided her with. His expression was knowing, but kind. He was well aware of what a healthy young lioness she was.
Shira was exceptionally awkward under his roaming gaze, but understanding of his request and internally pondering it.
He caught her expression and politely asked if she would like to return with him to his pride. She could spend some time getting to know his lionesses and lands and take her time in deciding if she would undertake his request.
The lands were beautiful and green. His pride lived in a small valley with a bubbling, merry creek that flowed through the centre. They lived in the small but comfortable cave systems on either side of the valley walls; sheltering them from bad weather and giving them an element of surprise if ever they were attacked.
His pride was equally as lovely; the lionesses greeted Shira as a sister, made her feel right at home and exceptionally welcome. Her answer was easy for King Yuriy.
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Shira's pregnancy was surprisingly comfortable and when the time came, she gave birth to a single cub. It was unfortunate that it was a female, as Yuriy had wanted a son, but they were happy nonetheless. When the cub, named 'Doa' for the speckly white spots across her back and forehead, was the spitting image of her father, exceptionally healthy and certainly a pawful.
Once she was old enough to travel, Yuriy escorted them back to Achilia's pride, stating that it was Shira's home - nothing could change that now - but that he would visit regularly. Doa may not have been ideal as a first cub, but he loved her anyway - and there would always be next time!
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Several months after Sikia's ascension to King, the events still didn't sit well with Shira. Some pride members had become distant - loyal to the King...and that was fair enough - many had arrived on the cusp of the drought and barely had time to know Achilia...she understood.
But those who had been there longer - well, something just didn't sit right. She had tried talking to Uhuru about her concerns, but the young Queen was far too polite for her own good - she tried to allay Shira's fears (never succeeding, of course) but said even if there was treachery behind Sikia's rise, without proof a challenge would be insubordination at best, bordering on treason.
Eventually, Shira could no longer bear the inaction. Najisi hatched a plan to 'visit King Fyrestar', an old friend of hers, and a well respected lion, if a little stiff. He was strong, powerful, and commanded respect - even from Sikia. And he was their ticket out.
She placed a request for leave from the pride, as well as for Shira and Thabiti - escorts to ensure no desperately starving dogs would attack them...or at least that they might think twice before doing so. Sikia grudgingly agreed.
And their story was true - at least in part. They travelled to Fyrestar's territory, bringing gifts of meat and large roots bearing water for his thirsting pride. For a short time, they stayed there and Najisi made her request. The King was disappointed that Achilia had died, and understood her needs, agreeing to tell any messengers sent by Achilia that he had sent them on their way without incident.
Days later, the three lionesses set off again, but instead of returning to the jungle, they sought a new home - Nuksi's pride. He greeted his own friends warmly, saddened that they had been driven to leave the old pride, but assuring them that his lands would ALWAYS be open to them, as well as their other pride members - Achilia had taught him well.
Turn none in need away.
Shira means 'sail' in Swahili.
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