♛ A Queen's Sorrow
Halmerra, G5 Clean, 2022-10-12 10YR 7M
A Fine lioness. Onyxshade arrived on a whim during King Vultures ruling. The snarky lioness was partial to his ways, and not so much in favour. she found him childish, brash, but nonetheless she stayed loyal. He was a cocky King, with a snap and easy temper, which she found to be unfit, but soon grew to admire how he never failed to lead his Pride to victory. by the first year she was posed an offer, to rule beside him as his Queen, and from then on was given the name Halmerra. Queen halmerra.
With a last brush of her tongue along the Lions mane, Halmerra shared tongues with the retiring King for a last time. A bittersweet moment, yet they were all smiles as they exchanged purrs. "I wasnt so sure of you, at first." she stated, tail tapping Vulture's rump, "So childish and quick to bite... but alas, you never filed to rule this pride and lead us toward victory," she finished with a soft-hearted smile, "But, like those before you.. itd your time," she hummed, which earned a gruff noise from the Male. ""I led this Pride better than anyone before me ever did." He remarked, Halmerra chuckling in response. "Still have spirit, huh? I dont doubt that you did.. but you know as well as I do, that you are far too old to go on." She turned her nose from him, icy stare landing on Drago. "You've chosen a fine heir. I'll be certain to keep him in line," They both chuckled, before Vulture left to give the Heir his long awaited Ceremony.
A soft sigh emitting parted jaws, Halmerra hauled herself onto old paws as she approached the Ferus crowned King. "dont think that this job is easy, kid." she remarked, soft expression hardening. "Its now your job to keep this Pride alive. Protected, Fed. There is no room for failure, and if you do, your title will be stripped." she finished with furrowed brows, scanning the Primal before her. Drago, in response gave a weary smile and a hearty chuckle, "I promise to do my best, ma'am. I was trained by only the best," he hummed, eyes shifting to the Vulture, catching up on some much needed rest. The Lionesses expression softened, and she touched her nose to his. "then i will gladly follow you till my paws can carry me no more."
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The frigid breeze washed over her wiry fur, nose scrunching as she would rattle her body and fluff it out. Old gaze wandering the skies, tracing the patterns within the night sky made by the shimmering stars. She was growing old, she knew, but she didnt fear her death. Her Pride was in good hands, she was assured. Lid sliding shut, she took in a breath of the fresh breeze, enjoying the silent night. Her peace was momentarily interupted as a small body pushed into her side with a little purr, ahh..
"What is it i can do for you, my little Hecate?" The mother turned her head to the dark pelted cub snuggled into her side. "its far past your bedtime, is it not? what are you doing up?" She was met with a saddened gaze from her young cub, to which she met with a puzzled one. "Are you going to be leaving us, Ma? just like Vulture is?" Hecate squeaked with a wobble to her voice, tone hesitant. Halmerra softened her eyes, running her tongue along the young lionesses head, stalling. It was the sad truth, that in death she must leave her cubs behind, but that was the way of life. it could not be changed, and thus, she could not shelter her from the truth, even at such young age.
"Im afraid so, my dear. Life has, a strange way of things... we all come into this world, carry out our duty, just to die in the end. But then, it cannot be stopped... its just how things are, how they have to be." She explained with a bittersweet smile, only to be met with a shriek and followed sobs, a tiny face buried into her fur to be soaked by tears. "but then who will take care of us when your gone? what will we do without a mother?" Hecate looked up at Halmerra, glassy-eyed. "You must learn to survive without your mother." she remarked, tone stern. "Not all cubs are as lucky as you are to have one, Hecate. Some cubs are abandoned at birth and have to fend for themselves all throughout life. Do not take what you have for granted, Embrace it, accept it. My fate cannot be changed, not even by the hands of an Elder Shaman." She rumbled, long tail flicking behind her.
The cubs crying died down, thinking over the wise words of her mother, and she found herself staring at her speckled paws. "I understand, ma'am.. but. What if im not strong enough to fend for myself?" the cub brought up the question, staring at Halmerra as she searched for answers. "You have to be." she responded, quick and simple. "If your not, you die. But, just because I must part, does not mean I will leave you with nothing." Halmerra stated, peaking Hecate's interest. Pondering, the Queen sighed. "A mother has many cubs throughout her lifetime, but she can only love so many of them.." she started with the harsh truth. "You, my dear, have been one I could truly appreciate, and will forever more. And so, before I go, I will give you my blessing."
Hecate was puzzled by her mothers words, though tried to understand at her young age. With a subtle nod, the cub shuffled her paws along the dusty ground, giving Halmerra a puzzled look. "But, dont you give everyone your blessing, Ma? your a Queen.. so, how will it be any different?" She questioned. Halmerra raised a brow, before giving her a softened smile and a breathy chuckle. "Because, My dear, i will be giving you my true and last blessing."
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