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Stories from the Life of Manais:
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As Nivetai guided her to her new home for the imminent future, Heiwa glanced up over the crest of a stubby hill and was surprised to see a very plain lion. She stayed silent as the two males met and had a brief discussion, smiling politely through a short introduction before her old mentor left. Heiwa was alone with her new mentor now.
Trying to be subtle, she studied him again. King Manais of the Frozen Pride. She didn't understand why it was called that; it wasn't cold or icy at all around here. When she was first told she would be training here, she had been worried that she was going to be up to her eyeballs in snow. But this was just a regular African plain.
And the King--she had been told at length about how experienced and wise he was, but he looked to be about half Nivetai's age. And sure, Nivetai was old, but the point was, King Manais looked far too young to match the stories she'd been told.
Sensing her dubious gaze, Manais smiled kindly at her. "I presume you have questions, little one. Let me guess: I look strangely young?"
Becoming even more on edge, Heiwa slowly nodded. She didn't feel comfortable speaking just yet.
"Well, that I can explain. Walk with me." Manais turned and began a slow walk in a seemingly random direction--it all seemed pretty flat and vacant around here. Heiwa obediently followed, noticing that he certainly seemed to WALK like he was old.
"As you know, we are called the Frozen Pride. Strange name, yes?" He grinned back at her in amusement. "Well, that is not because of the local climate, but rather because of the local flow of time. It passes much more slowly here."
Heiwa stopped walking and blinked. What?
Manais stopped as well, turning to face her. "I know that sounds bizarre, and I suppose it is. But you will see as you settle in to live here that the days and nights each seem to last the equivalent of the moons that you are used to, and your aging will be slowed down to match. That is what makes this land an excellent place to train--you have plenty of time." He smiled again, seemingly with pride. Perhaps this "frozen time" was a blessing he'd earned from some divine creature?
"That is why I have become wise beyond my years. Soon you shall be, too. Come, Heiwa--I have much to teach you." They walked off into the immutable sunset.
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