⟟⌰⏁⏃ = Ilta
⋔⏃⌇⏃⎅⏃ (Masada) = role giver
Rain bought cubs in exchange for beetles often, but what he did to the cubs was sickening. Thankfully, this Cub had been saved by Sapphire and brought to “The Home of the Hopeless”, and saddening name, but it was all this Cub knew.
Sapphire didn’t empty out the den much, so the lingering scent of sickness and death was always there. This didn’t bother the old cubs, though, they had been there too long to notice it anymore. There was always a pile of bones in the corner, and this Cub took advantage of that. Eventually, she had her own decorations! The other cubs thought this was weird, but this Cub didn’t let their opinions get to her head, and she held her tail high in the air and her nose in front of her.
But, one day, a lioness came into the den. They wanted to adopt her? Oh wow! She happily padded up to Sapphire, who gave her a few reassuring licks behind her ears. The Cub purred and stared at the lioness hopefully. Maybe she had been saved!
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The way to the lioness's pride was long and soon barren as well. This place was cloaked in an uncertain darkness and I couldnt help but inch closer to the queen. She walked confidentally. Not scared at all. It was inspiring. So I tried it too. I raised my head and tried to keep up with her long strides. But my confident quickly dwindled when I saw something move in the air. I ducked underneath the queen. I felt safe underneath her. Nothing could get to me... right?
She brought me to a rocky area of the territory. The shadows had faded a bit but were still present, circling the borders. I caught the smell of something odd. It was like death... but welcoming. I heard movement ahead and lowered myself to the ground.
Monsters stormed out of the rocky cliffs and caves. All circling the queen. I heard them growl and hiss. I started shaking, why wasnt she fighting back? She was just standing there. I stared at the monsters paws that were in front of her for a long moment before suddenly the lioness moved back, leaving me exposed. I stumbled and scrambled, trying desperately to get back under her. But before I could a massive claw snatched me. I let out a yelp and turned around, swinging my mit at the monsters face. The monster snickered then I actually got a look at it.... it had a dark pelt and bright green snake like eyes. Its neck and head was covered in ruffled fur and two long fangs took up most of its face. Its body was small but stoic, with powerful legs and a massive jaw. Its tail was short as if it was cut off in battle and-... the cub paused for a moment. This was no monster. It was a lion. A primal.
My face turned red as she looked back at the queen. She was sitting there licking her paw, watching her with a blank look. The primal on the other hand was seconds from bursting out laughing.
The primal leaned down and sniffed my face before looking back at the queen and in a rough hoarse voice she says,
"She'll be alright. I like her fighting attitude. I can make something of her Nyx."
Nyx, I finally knew her name, nodded and began walking off. I quickly jumped up to follow but the primal slammed her paw into my side, making me stumble and trip.
"Nah kid you stay with me. Queeny gotta go do queen stuff. You are stuck with me. Come on apprentice."
The primal turns and begins to walk and I gave one last glance at Nyx before I ran to catch up with the primal.
Unlike the queen the primal loved to talk. She answered all my questions and asked some of her own. It was like I was talking to a mirror. She explained how I was her apprentice and that I was to be trained to be a warrior. It sounded cool. She then showed me around the territory. She then left me with the prides brood, promising to come back the next morning to name me.
I happily snuggled up to broodmother, watching the primal as she left. I felt a strong sense of belonging. I finally found the place I was supposed to be. And maybe.. just maybe... that primal could be my mother.
⟟⌰⏁⏃ wrestled with their pridemate while asking them what their plans were for later today. +5% training experience!
