, the Merciful

Born with a pelt as snowy-white as hers, Eirene was seen as a threat from the moment she came into existence. Not a threat to the survival of the pride--her mother was an agile hunter, and she no doubt inherited strong legs and quick feet from her as well--but a threat to usurping king. He named her as a curse, a harbinger of misfortune, and as strong and cunning as he was, no one felt powerful enough to go against his words. Truthfully, some had even begun to believe it themselves. He saw goodness in her spirit, a light bright enough to chase away his darkness, and that was enough for him.

And so Eirene was left for dead, with no food, no nearby water, and no shelter. Wandering the savanna alone, Eirene had ample time to think on her situation. She did not cry, or give in to the tired voice in her head begging her to give up. She could think only of her mother, her former pridemates, and the king that had cruelly ripped her away from them. Instead of hatred, however, she grew to pity him. She vowed to never fall from grace as he did.

Eventually, on the brink of starvation and dehydration, Eirene was found by a hunting party of lionesses from a pride very far from her homelands. Shocked at the state of the young lioness, they hurried her back to the caves of their home, where the king immediately gave the order to nourish and re-hydrate Eirene as quickly as possible. She admired his strong spirit, his kindness and mercy and they grew very close. Despite not having sired her, the king treated her like his own.

As queen of the pride, Eirene does whatever she can to be merciful and just. When she comes across lone lionesses, she will provide them with food and shelter for the night. If one is looking for a home, she will grant them permission to stay. She prefers not to fight other lions, but knows how dangerous things can become if you ignore threats, and would gladly lay her life down for her pride if necessary.