All progress as they made their way through camp was halted as an older lioness slipped before them. Ines stumbled to a stop before crouching close to Kozimer searching for her mothers overly fluffy pelt. She did not find that in the lion beside her. Instead she fluffed her own pelt and glanced up at the lioness before them. The feline appeared graceful, powerful. Her head was held high as she questioned her pridemate.

Ines felt a shiver run down her spine. There were so many different strangers. A part of her felt regret. Should she have stayed where she was left awaiting her mothers return? Shaking her head, the cub simply watched the two speak their words. She barely heard any of the words spoken mainly studying the pretty lioness.

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Comtatee leaped up from the spot she was sitting in to watch the new cub as she entered the camp. She perked her ears to listen to the conversation that they were having. Wanting to ensure the best for the cub she checked the nest once more before taking a few steps toward the talking lions. Comtatee's ears went back, flattened against her head in anticipation for the news about wether the cub could stay. Her tail was swishing back and forth, one paw lifted off the ground.

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Kozimer flattened their ears and stepped back, reguarding their mother with a mixture of respect and fear. Nam'kal always scared the young heir, ever since they were a cub. But, she was still their mother, and their queen.

"You heard correctly, mother. Her name is Ines. Her mother..." They looked at the small cub before walking slightly closer to the queen, keeping their head lowered. "Her mother passed, I'm afraid. And according to pride law, no cub may be turned away from life." They recited, wrapping their tail protectivly around the small bundle of fur.

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Observing from a distance, Meiomi circled Kazimir, her thoughts filled with unease. She had a strong aversion to change and new experiences, which led her to view the situation through a pessimistic perspective.
Kazimir heaved a sigh in response to his sister's agitation, keeping his voice low to avoid disrupting the Queen's nearby conversation with Kozimer. "Relax, will you? It's just a cub—what's the big deal?" Meiomi retorted with a hiss, "Just another needy mouth to feed." Then she continued her annoyed pacing.The larger lion couldn't help but roll his eyes, and he shrugged. "Seems like Koz has already taken a liking to the cub, and Comtatee too." He chuckled, not caring whether the cub stayed or not, but found it endearing to witness certain pride members so readily embracing the adorable little one.

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Nam'Kal studied Kozimer with a critical eye, a small bubble of anger was slowly welling up to the surface. If she didn't rein it soon enough, she'd explode. The audacity of her child to go and take matters into their own hands! How could they!? Her nostrils flared, a small growl threatening to leave her throat. Yes she was angry! But it wasn't at the cub, it wasn't at her child....It was more of the situation taking her by surprise. Nam'Kal could only hope for a calm day but fate would have it, that wasn't an option. She entered closer into her heir's space, "Do you know what you've done!?", she hissed.

Small movement caught her eye, and she focused in. It was the cub whose name she now learned was Ines. The small thing was watching her, taking in the scene. How did she look right now to the little one? She felt a part of her resolve crumble. The lioness remembered when her own was around this size. Tiny and feeble. At this age they needed constant supervision and attention. It was her job to care and guide, to take care of others. Just as she did for her pride.

All the fight left her body, the adrenaline that was keeping her on edge now made her tired. Taking a step back, a sigh left her. Using those few seconds to pull herself together the queen regarded her heir once more. "You did what you must and I have to accept that." Turning her attention towards Ines, she schooled her features into something more placating than a scowl. "Hello little one, I'm sorry if you've been frightened in anyway."

Nam'Kal mind was made, Ines was staying. "Ah, do be sure to take them to a healer. Wouldn't want anymore surprises popping up".

(My bad! didn't mean to make it so long)

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Kozimer let out a breath they didn't know they were holding and allowed a low rumbley purr to escape their throat. "Thank you, mom. I'm sorry I didn't talk to you first, but it all was very overwhelming I guess." They explained, pulling the cub closer to them.

"C'mon Ines, Let's go see the healers. We have to make sure you're not sick." They said, smiling and picking up the small cub. They gave a last loving smile to Nam'kal and set off in search of Tahi or Sutekh.

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Ines found herself going to step backwards only to be halted as a tail coiled around. The sharp hiss that escaped the authoritative figure caused her to flinch. The moment passed by quick as the dark gaze of the lioness met hers. Immediately, Ines dropped her sight to Kozimer's tail. She expected the growls to turn towards her but the words had softened. Slowly, she lifted her attention back to the new stranger but she had already turned away.

Being lifted from the ground, Ines was able to get a better look at the camp. Now she could see other felines; ones she had briefly met and those she had yet to interact with. "What is a healer?" She kept her voice quiet as if trying not to be heard by the others around the clearing.

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