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-- N I N E V E ;
former co-leader | retired
Adopted into the pride at an old age, she seemed to fit in well despite spending almost her entire life elsewhere. Her mature, level-headed demeanor could sway younger, more brash lions from doing the wrong thing, but despite being relatively old she was fierce and had no problems letting it be known. As she was too old to participate well in hunts, Nineve spent the majority of her time caring for cubs and overseeing the pride while their mothers were hunting. She was capable of affecting and inspiring even the distant males and firmly believed that no lion was too old to learn lessons.
In the months that followed her arrival, it became clear that despite her age, Nineve was a lioness to be respected. She rose to become the pride's co-leader alongside the younger Zoli, and the two delivered a leadership that would become respected across all lions. Her mature, wise ways differed with the wrathful temperament of Senryo, but she was able to show even him sense and teach him a valuable ability -- the ability to forgive your enemies. The pride swelled with respect and reverence for her, and even though she was old, she made it clear that the will to fight remained with her.
On 12/8/14, Nineve was one of the few lionesses left in the pride's den area after the hunting lionesses and patrolling males journeyed out. Knowing that the pride was vulnerable, a large hyena pack that had been contending for territory rushed the pride and raided the camp. The few lionesses left in camp were not nearly enough to stand a chance, and the group opted to stealthily flee until they could employ the help of the rest of the pride.
However, infuriated at having been ambushed and the lives of her pride threatened, Nineve rallied the lionesses of the pride. Moved by her words and her bravery in the face of death, the small group flew into battle. The fight was more difficult than the pride had ever seen before, and it went not without its injuries on both sides. In the end, they managed to defeat the pack.
Bodies of their fallen enemies lay strewn across the clearing; but in their exhaustion and the adrenaline of victory, the lions failed to register the danger that still lurked just beyond view. A small group of survivors lay in wait, prepared to get revenge for their leader. When Nineve was distracted, they attacked her young grandson, Ryu. Startled by his pitiful cries, the great leader rose despite her exhaustion and jumped to Ryu's defense. The pride rushed to her aid -- but Nineve demanded them to step back, for no more friends could die.
The face-off that followed was a battle of vicious, wounded rage and calm determination. A lioness wounded as her and weighted down by great age had no chance against the ferocious beasts. But the wise queen was resigned to her fate, and felt hope that her sacrifice would set an example for future generations.
The whole pride gathered around, knowing what would soon happen but paralyzed at her final wish.
It was then that she flew into battle. Like a falling star, her speed defied her weakness. Nineve's tenacity sent fear into her opponent's hearts and set Ryu's blood aflame with a feeling he had never experienced before. He was unable to move from his spot, yet inside his body he seemed to feel the emotion of every hunt the lioness had conquered and every battle she had triumphed over.
Nineve felled every canine that had challenged her, until she confronted the leader of the group that had rallied them all. They flew at each other, trading blows until blood flowed over the hardened ground.
Together, their fates were intertwined, and the foes would meet their end on the same day. They fought until they could do more, and together they collapsed, gazes locked and growling ferociously. The hyena was the first to succumb, its lifeblood pouring out in a gruesome torrent. Nineve felt a great sigh overcome her as her muscles relaxed, contented at having been victorious.
Ryu was released from his trance and, tremorously, he approached his grandmother. A sly smile creased her tired face as she looked at her terrified grandson. Pity pricked at her heart seeing his deep wounds, but she carried a calm knowledge that he would heal one day.
Zoli was the next to arrive, and the heroic lioness exchanged a quiet glance with her dying friend. It was then that a single tear slipped from Nineve's eyes, filled with her regret at having to leave her adopted pride so soon. Slowly, the great leader slipped from this world.
The family that she had introduced to the pride sat with bowed heads as they gave their final goodbyes, and Zoli was numb with grief at the loss of her friend and co-leader. Nineve was the first lion that would die in Atrox's pride, and she blazed the trail for the deaths that would follow; Senryo, heart warmed by her kindness, would die peacefully in his nest less than two years later, and soon, the oldest members of the pride would follow...
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-- I N F O R M A T I O N ;
-- { stats }
Born with 350 stats - Died with 359 stats on 12/8/14
-- { parents }
Dugal (#16770) - sired by Swank
- alive
Olivia (#25515230010) - sired by Dhaegan
- deceased
-- { cubs }
Creek F (#112663290030) - sired by Kashani
-- { grandcubs }
Ryu M (#250880190020) - sired by Zefix Sakrament
- alive
Nineve II F (#250880190030) - sired by Zefix Sakrament
- alive
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