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The evening sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, amber glow over the pride’s territory as the ocean’s waves gently kissed the shore. Among the others near the water, Skybreeze—new to the pride—sat with her fur tangled and unruly, her eyes distant as she took in the landscape. She was a bit of a mess, both physically and in her demeanor, but she didn’t seem to care. The wind tousled her coat, and for once, she was content to simply be—even if she didn’t quite fit in just yet.
From a short distance away, Dollie—as elegant as ever—watched her with mild interest. Her coat gleamed in the soft sunlight, and her expression remained calm as she approached, her movements fluid, almost predatory.
“Well, well,” Dollie purred with a smile that hinted at amusement, “look at you, getting cozy with the wildness.” Her eyes gleamed as she surveyed Skybreeze, noticing the messiness of her coat. “Not what I expected from a new pride member.”
Skybreeze glanced up at her, an eyebrow arched. “I didn’t come here to impress anyone,” she muttered, giving a little flick of her tail. “Just getting used to things.”
Dollie smirked, her voice smooth. “Getting used to chaos, it seems. There’s something to be said for embracing the untamed.” She flicked a paw idly, her eyes trailing Skybreeze’s disheveled coat. “But you might find the pride expects more than just untamed.” She gave her a knowing smile, hinting at the structure that underpinned their lives here.
Before Skybreeze could respond with a sharp retort, Neptuneus—the kind and steady king—approached. His golden eyes shone with warmth, and his aura carried the calm wisdom of a leader who understood the balance between strength and kindness. He stopped beside Dollie, taking in the scene with a soft smile.
“Skybreeze,” Neptuneus greeted with a gentle tone, his voice filled with understanding. “I see you’re taking in the territory.” There was no judgment in his words, only quiet observation.
Skybreeze flicked her tail, surprised by the king’s tone. His kindness was unlike anything she expected, and it threw her off just enough to soften her usual defensive edge. “Just figuring things out,” she replied, trying to sound casual.
Dollie shot Neptuneus a playful glance, her lips curling into a sly smile. “She’s not exactly… orderly,” she teased, her voice light with amusement. “Not much of a ‘respect for the pride’s ways’ in that wild fur.”
Skybreeze bristled slightly at the remark but held her tongue, not willing to let it escalate. Neptuneus, however, only smiled warmly at her.
“It’s okay to be messy at first, Skybreeze,” Neptuneus said with understanding in his voice. “Finding your place in the pride takes time. We all have our own way of fitting in. But in time, you’ll see—it’s not about fitting a mold, but about learning to contribute in your own way.”
Skybreeze blinked, a bit taken aback by his gentle words. She hadn’t expected such kindness, especially not from a king. His presence was different from what she’d imagined—less demanding and more… accepting.
Dollie looked at the king, her smirk softening into something more thoughtful. “Neptuneus is right,” she said, her voice no longer playful but calm. “The pride will accept you, mess and all. We don’t demand perfection—just that you’re willing to grow.”
Skybreeze sighed, the tension leaving her shoulders slightly. “I’ll take my time, then. No need to rush.”
Neptuneus nodded, his golden eyes full of reassurance. “There’s no rush. Just be yourself, and in time, you’ll see where you fit in. We’re all here for each other.”
For a moment, the three of them stood in comfortable silence, the soft sounds of the waves filling the space between them. Skybreeze, for once, felt a little less like an outsider. The king’s words, filled with patience and warmth, had a way of easing the edges of her uncertainty.
“Thank you,” she finally said, her tone a bit softer than usual.
Dollie gave her a warm, if slightly bemused, smile. “See? You’re already getting the hang of it.”
With that, Skybreeze gave a small nod, feeling a quiet sense of belonging settling over her. As much as she’d resisted at first, there was something here—a family, of sorts. Even if she was still figuring out how to fit into it, it seemed like the pride would be patient enough to let her take her time.
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