As you sit on a large, flat stone smoothed over by years of use, the king settles opposite you. His mane waves faintly in the sunlight filtering through the trees overhead, and his eyes, keen and assessing yet warm, never stray from your face.
“I do not recall seeing your marks before,” Avanor begins after a lioness serves him a portion of meat. He gestures to another who hesitates for just a moment before placing some in front of you. “Nor do I recognize the scent that clings to your fur. From where do you come, and what brings you to Salnach Crag?”
You take a moment to gather your thoughts, trying to decide how much to reveal. You came here on a mission, but now that you've arrived, the uncertainty of what will happen next gnaws at you. These lands are unfamiliar, and this pride... while they haven't harmed you, you are still an outsider.
You shuffle your paws in the soft dirt beneath you, feeling the coolness of the ground as the early morning air fills your lungs. The valley is serene, peaceful even, but the tension of the situation makes it hard to relax. The eyes of the pride’s members are on you, though they pretend not to stare. They are curious, you can feel it. What will they do with you? You’ve heard of prides that don’t take kindly to outsiders, but Avanor… there’s something different about him. He radiates calm authority, and while his gaze is intense when he questions you, there is no malice in it.
You lick your chops and start thoughtfully, "I come from distant lands…"
As you spin your tale, Avanor listens attentively, occasionally leaning over to politely pick at his meal. His gaze never wavers from you, yet it’s not threatening – rather, it's a measured evaluation that speaks volumes of his experience as a leader.
A lioness pads up beside him, whispering something into Avanor's ear. His eyes flicker to her briefly before returning to you. A slight nod is all the response she gets before she disappears. You realize that even if he seems calm, the gears in his head never stop turning.
When you finish your tale with a heavy sigh, Avanor sits silently for a long moment, contemplating your words. "You speak of harsh times," he finally says, his voice deep yet gentle. "Your journey to us was not easy."
You nod, feeling a sudden rush of relief at his understanding.
"We welcome travelers seeking refuge or knowledge," he continues after a while, shifting his body to face you fully. His words hang in the air as he considers you anew.
"I have heard many stories from outsiders," he begins, "some true, some... less so." His eyes search yours for any hint of deception, but you feel no accusation, just an honest curiosity. "You speak of long journeys and distant lands, but what I care about is why you're here now, in Salnach Crag."
Before you can answer, Avanor raises a paw slightly, signaling that he isn't finished.
"Our lands are hidden for a reason. We do not seek conflict, but we are not naïve. If you come bearing knowledge, we will listen. If you come seeking shelter, we offer it. But if you come with intentions hidden by sweet words..." His voice hardens for a moment before softening once more. "You will find us less hospitable."
You sit in silence, realizing that this is not just a casual introduction—it’s a test. Avanor wants to know your motives, your purpose. This land, his pride, is precious to him, and he will do anything to protect it.
But the tension eases again when he looks away, glancing at the waterfall behind you as if lost in thought.
"Still," he murmurs, more to himself, "you do not seem like one seeking trouble."
His gaze returns to you, softer now.
“Eat, rest.” he advises, nodding to the meat still untouched in front of you. “When you are ready, we can discuss your journey and your purpose here further.”
With that, he rises from the stone, his tail flicking gently against your side in what you assume is a show of camaraderie.
He walks away and you watch him meld into the bustling pride. Young cubs scamper towards him, their tails wagging in excitement as they leap up towards his chest. He rumbles in amusement, leaning down to nuzzle each cub affectionately before nudging them playfully towards their waiting mothers.
You're left alone with your meal, now feeling less like an intruder and more like a welcome guest.
🌺🌺🌺
King Avanor, The Fair.
Playlist
Birth Pride: Salnach Crag's Pride
Father (lore): Mercy
Relationships (lore): Modír (mother) ; Almód (sister)
Particularity: One of the 362 lions with Hellebore base. Currently the only one with a Incubus Meteorite mane in the game.
1rst Generation Stud. x2 rosettes.
He was the second king in game to possess a seal heavy rosette marking when it was released.
LORE 
Avanor’s story begins with his mother, Modír, who arrived at the pride’s borders during a tumultuous time in the reign of King Brego. In need of refuge, she was granted asylum, though unbeknownst to Brego, Modír was already with cubs. Modír quickly integrated into the pride, rising through the ranks as a skilled warrior and earning the respect of the pride for her bravery and prowess. She eventually gave birth to twins—Avanor and his sister Almód.
Avanor was raised with pride’s traditions in his veins. From a young age, he was taught the ways of a warrior, learning how to harness his natural charisma and strength to inspire those around him.
As he matured, Avanor earned the respect of his peers through merit, not birthright. His prowess in battle and his calm, focused demeanor under pressure earned him the rank of Lead Warrior long before he was crowned king. He was not only a protector of his pride but a unifying force, bringing together even the most gruff and hardened soldiers. Where others faltered in the face of chaos, Avanor thrived, always maintaining his composure and humility.
When King Brego passed, Avanor was the natural choice to succeed him. Though young, he had already proven his loyalty and strength. The pride accepted him not out of duty, but out of genuine respect.
Now, as king, Avanor rules with the same steady hand he had displayed as a warrior—his decisions are always measured, his judgment fair. Under his reign, the pride thrives.
Despite his many qualities, Avanor has never let arrogance taint his reign. He walks his lands with poise, greeting every member of his pride with kindness. His deep voice, steady and comforting, has guided many through troubled times, and he continues to uphold the values of strength and humility that he learned under King Brego's rule. Whether leading his pride into battle or showing a visitor the beauty of his territory, Avanor embodies a balance of power and grace, making him a king beloved by all.
Avanor's original look from September 2022:
Damn, he came so far.
Artworks in his effigy:
Art: doveofthedawn
Art: Mafi #262163
