Iris, Sanctuary Guardian

𝓘𝓻𝓲𝓼
So this got away from me
The new world across the sea
Soft-spoken and enchantingly beautiful, Iris has captured the eye of many a distant lion in her time. This is the lioness distant kings whisper about, misty-eyed and wish hushed voices. From her secluded grove in the Sanctuary, she listens to these murmurs, but seldom ever entertains them.

When Queen Haiku first began visiting Iris in the Sanctuary, she brushed her off, the same way she brushed off all of her previous suitors. Spurning a queen's affection is no easy feat, of course; Iris was careful and deliberate in her responses, showing reservation, but never hostility. To her surprise, Haiku didn't press her, the way so many lions previously had; instead, she continued to visit her, offering nothing but friendship. Iris grew to tolerate Haiku's extravagant ramblings, listening with an aloof expression to the gossip running through the Citadel.

Near the height of Haiku's reign, Iris gave birth to two female cubs. Their fine facial features and sleek pelts were near perfect images of Haiku. Iris never confirmed with her pridemates who the cubs' other parent was, but Haiku showed a particular interest and fondness towards the cubs.

When Haiku was killed in the Great Storm, Iris withdrew into herself. She continued to uphold her duties as a broodmother; however, in the quiet of the night, she would slip out to stand by the Acropolis' shrine to Haiku. She continues to mourn the only lioness she has ever loved.

Iris closes her eyes with nose up high when you praise her last bunny pouncing session. It was obviously amazing.