Slate

Poor old Grandpaw Renais was resting away from the cubs for a reason today, but that didn't stop Slate from bounding over and bumping their Grandpaw's chin with the top of their head in adoration before scarpering off. Grandpaw Renais stares after them as they scamper away, but whatever he wanted to say isn't spoken.

When Grandpaw Renais spots Slate sulking after they were left out of games, he saunters over and sits down next to them. No words pass between Grandpaw and grandcub, but they seem to have a moment of understanding with each other

Slate is following Grandpaw Renais's every move today - hopping in his footsteps, perking up at the same noises, even swishing and flicking their tail like his. Grandpaw Renais is keenly aware that his grandcub is there, but says nothing about it.

Grandpaw Renais coves over and lays down next to Slate, flicking their tail over to draw the attention of the wild cub. Grandpaw Renais continues, giving the rest of the pride some time off from entertaining Slate

Slate lags behind the rest of the cubs as they come back from training, tail low and looking sad. When Grandpaw Renais asks what's wrong, Slate tells him that the other cubs won't let them play with them. Grandpaw Renais reassures Slate that when they are grown, they won't need anyone but their own wit and claws

You were cheerfully asking Slate about her day, but she seemed to get an itch. She excuses herself to groom the itch away in private