LusitaFrom the Shrublands | Joined at night during the end of the Dry Season | at 3 years, 6months old {Cubs born into Pride: 8 | Cubs rejected by the King: 7}
*Interaction with the viewer/greeting*
BioLuista is the tenth lioness to join the pride.
Adult: {6 years, 1 month old} - Lusita watched her King take Sombra's only cub again, carrying its limp body out of Mother's Den. The sight wasn't a surprise, but it made her nervous for her own cubs. Out of all the cubs that had been born this season, Vesper had only kept seven. She was sure the Drought had something to do with it, but that meant the odds of her cubs staying were not in their favor. Vesper returned, with Condor waiting for his que at the mouth of the cavern. Lusita knew Eira was proud of her son, it felt just like yesterday he was a cub, wrestling and chasing the others around Mother's Cavern.
"I'll be taking both, Lusita."
Vesper's words shook Lusita. She whipped her head around, gaze searching for his. "Both?" Her voice broke slightly.
He simply nodded and cast a glance past her. "I'm sorry, my dear."
Her heart raced. This was the first time her whole litter was rejected, and it left her with a whirlwind of emotions. She nuzzled each cub, grooming them for the last time as she heard Condor draw closer. She wanted to stuff them further into her belly fur and resist their attempts to take them away, but she only watched them pick her daughters up and carry them away. It left her feeling so alone and so useless. She couldn't stop from curling in a ball and start to weep. It wasn't long before she felt someone press against her, curling themselves around her. Lusita popped her head up to find Sombra next her. The sight of the Queen sent her into a full blown breakdown and she sought comfort from the lioness. They spent the entire day together. It was difficult to watch the Lead Huntress go back to her duties the next day.
{8 years, 1 month old} - Lusita groomed her cubs, giving birth to two again this season. They were both females and though she knew it wasn't smart, she hoped at least one of them could stay. Perhaps she was hopeful because Vesper spared one of Astra's cubs. She felt a little selfish for wanting another cub when so many mothers hadn't a chance to keep a single cub, but how could she not want to keep the lives she gave birth to? Her nerves fluttered wildly when her King entered Mother's Den and greeted her with a warm nuzzle.
"Let's see what you have for me," he said calmly but Lusita was anything but. He took a few moments meeting their cubs before he set his sights on her. "Neither are staying, Lusita. I'm sorry, we'll try again next season."
Lusita's heart fell and her hope vanished in an instant. She should have known better.
Vesper picked up one of her daughters and Condor appeared soon after to take her second. She watched as they left, her cubs crying for a mother that could do nothing but listen to their objections. She stuffed her snout underneath her paws, wondering if losing her cubs would get any easier. Sombra seemed to handle each loss better and better, but she also knew the Queen was extraordinarily strong. She had no doubt the lioness kept a world of hurt underneath her calm disposition. And that fact helped Lusita attempt the same. At least she had a daughter alive and well. If that was all Lusita was granted, she'd be happy.
{10 years, 2 months old} - Lusita gave birth to two cubs once more, daughters who nursed quietly as she groomed them. She nuzzled them and enjoyed their company until her King came to see them. She presented them proudly and accepted their fate when he took them away. It all happened so fast. Even though Vesper granted her a moment more with each one before she'd never see them again, carrying them, birthing them, tending them, and then watching them leave her side threw her heart for a loop. She feared that would always be the case no matter how many times she'd be forced to give her cubs up.
Pride Interactions
~● You watch Lusita quietly for a while, and she grooms herself cutely, seeming to glow in your presence. { 7 years, 10 months old}
~● Here { # years, # months old}
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