Neri

[Story]- Throughout her cubhood and adolescent years, Neri had always been a shy and timid lioness. Lacking the drive and energy it takes to be a skilled hunter, the other lionesses gossiped and doubted her as a useful pride mate. Good looks and prettiness might allow her to catch the prince's attention, but a lack of hunting experience wouldn't make her a good candidate for offspring. Disheartened and put off by what the other lions thought of her, Neri had run off to the Infinite Hallows. There, she was surprised to have met an all black adolescent lion with a gilded blindfold around his eyes. Awestruck by his intelligent words and unique appearance, Neri stuck around the icy cave for much longer than any other lioness had, hanging off of every story the lion told. He revealed his name to be Fotoulo, and Neri wondered why she hadn't noticed the male sooner. She thought he was wonderful.

Neri never told the other lionesses about how long she'd stay in the subordinate male cave, not that they'd listen to her anyways. Slowly, she became a happier lion, and made it a routine to go to the Infinite Hallows to meet up with Fotoulo.

That was, until Deo had emerged from the depths of the cave, much earlier than Neri would have expected.

The two of then had.. conspired. Created an evil plan that would surely lead to chaos in the pride. How could they? How could Fotoulo? Killing cubs wasn't like him. Neri had known this, and with a heavy heart, she decided not to tell the other lionesses nor the King. Not just yet. She would follow them, and see exactly what would happen. If anything happened to Prince Val.. she wouldn't forgive herself.

Neri had waited until 2 night later. In the dead of a cold winter night, she saw both Deo and Fotoulo emerge from the royal cave, a happy and excited Val by their side. Deo had let out a chuckle, shushing the younger prince, and holding him with his paw to quell his laughter. Fotoulo was a far different sight, only looking around in paranoia. He shivered against the howling wind, not blessed with the winter coats the other two male lions had been given at birth. Despite his blindfold, he led them through the beginning of the dark hinterland forests.

With a concealed shiver herself, Neri followed them, trailing behind to hide behind bushes and snow covered trees. Her claws were sharpened and her bite practiced and strong. Still, however, she felt no braver than scared prey. She had to push through though. For the future of Sundown.