[cyberdragon725]

Potential res!

Username: cyberdragon725
Lion name: Aspen
Lion gender: Male
Pride: The Garden of Eden
Pride Status: wandering traveler
Impress me!

[Tiger♥Bear]

╔═════ ∘◦ ❈ ◦∘ ══════╗
| Username : Tiger♥Bear
| Name : Xuěbǎo
| Gender : Female
| Pride : Pekee Pamoja
| Pride Status : Liaison
╚═════ ◦∘ ❈ ∘◦ ══════╝

ℕ𝕖𝕨 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕝𝕖𝕕𝕘𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕧𝕒𝕝𝕦𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖
𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕠𝕕𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕠𝕟 𝔼𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕙.
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕣𝕦𝕥𝕙 𝕨𝕖 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙,
𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕣𝕚𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕨𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖.

❈⋆✦⋆❈⋆✦⋆❈⋆✦⋆❈⋆✦⋆❈⋆✦⋆❈⋆✦⋆❈⋆✦⋆❈⋆✦⋆❈⋆✦⋆❈

Xuěbǎo was born on the snow-covered peak of Zhēnzhū mountain
far north of Ukumbi wa Paradiso. She was born a princess to her
people. As a cub, she had to learn a great many things since she
was destined to rule the territory. Being a snow leopard, there
wasn’t exactly a group or pack but someone needed to be in
charge. Her fathers father had founded their home, claiming
the mountain as a safe haven for other snow leapords. Though
a slow process, others did arrive and soon there were thirty or
so individuals sharing the mountaintop. She was the first born
meaning it would be her right to claim the throne.

As she got older, she spent more and more time exploring her
territory and getting to know the members that lived there.
She would sometimes venture beyond the boundaries to visit
with those that lived at the base of the mountain. Talking with
people and learning about those that lived around her was
quickly becoming a hobby. Xuěbǎo knew that this was what
she wanted to do. When her brother was born, she felt a
weight removed from her shoulders. She knew in her heart
she wouldn’t be able to rule. Not with the desire to travel
and learn more of the world beyond Zhēnzhū growing daily.

With confidence, she told her parents how she planned to
leave Zhēnzhū to see the world. While they were sad to see
her go, they were proud of the woman she had become. They
gifted her with a pendant attached to a silk collar to remind
her of her home. She was also given a silver cuff to symbolize
her royalty. She traveled for days. Weeks. Months. The
seasons passed as she journeyed across undiscovered lands.
The sandy desert that made her fur itch. The humid jungles
that made her pelt feel heavy. Eventually she came across
a grassy valley. The fall weather reminded her of summers
back home. Crisp winds that soothed her. This was bound
to be her greatest adventure.

╭Personality Traits╮

Eloquent
Punctual
Resourceful
Argumentative
Stubborn

╰ 　　　　　 　　╯

♫ 　　 Music 　　 ♫
　Million Questions

┍━━━━━━━━━┑

Likes:
+ Snow
+ Travel
+ Meeting new people
+ Questions
Dislikes:
- Sand
- Fish
- Humans
- Wolves

┕━━━━━━━━━┙

[Pets For Days]

aww So pretty!! I would enter but I'm not impressive XP

[ty_tay]

Username: ty_tay
Lion name: Shea (Pronounced Shay)
Lion gender: Female
Pride: The Voha
Pride Status: Healer

Personality: Commanding yet compassionate. She can sometimes be easily flustered by those who know how to get under her skin. When she has an idea in her head it can be very hard to dissuade her without being a physical blockade in her path.

Story: (Please note that this is written from various perspectives of the Voha tribe members.)

Kiorii stretched with a yawn, turning into a shiver as he shook out his mane. “Brrrr… Is it just me or is it colder this morning that it was yesterday?” He plopped down next to Akiil, the leader of their tribe, practically lying on top of the larger male.

Akill shifted away from Kiorii with a low grumble, he didn’t appreciate the lack of personal space the newest tribe mate had. His gaze wandered over their oasis as he watched other animals come and go from his perch. “You may be more annoying than Cy, but your instincts are never wrong…”

“…You’re only cryptic when there’s something bothering you…” Kiorii’s relaxed expression turned serious and he lost his jovial tone. “There’s something coming. Isn’t there? Have you asked Cy and Nymph to check out the borders? Maybe-“

“I can’t send them. Something has to be making this cold. It’s dangerous and Nymph has already fallen ill because of it. Cy won’t leave his side, and for good reason.”

“I… I see… You shouldn’t patrol alone, Akiil. If it’s as dangerous as I think it will be then even you will want someone to go with you.”

“No. I will not drag Cy away from Nymph, and you are no warrior.” He stood with an annoyed flick of his tail. “I made a promise to protect this place and all those that need it, and that is what I’ll do.”

“Akiil.”

“No… Stay here Kiorii. If I don’t return by morning, help Cy get Nymph somewhere safe. Don’t go to the south east.” He stalked away into the frosted brush without looking back.

“Akiil! Curse you and your stubborn pride.” Kiorii stood up and silently stalked into the brush to follow his leader. You’ll only get yourself killed. I may be a pacifist but that doesn’t mean I’m any less perceptive about dangers.

-----------------

Dusk was falling as Akiil perched himself atop a rock to survey the surrounding savannah. Despite not being able to see even the tree line he knew the oasis was to the distant south east with its mountains looming nearby. The temperature only seemed to drop the further he went, though he believed this was a good thing in his search. He scented the air cautiously, his fur prickling as he felt unfamiliar eyes upon him. Without a word he easily dropped from the rock back into the tall grass.

Kiorii moved quickly and silently so as not to lose track of Akiil. Something wasn’t right and he worried that his new friend would be in more trouble than he knew. He froze and flicked his ears to the right of him. I didn’t imagine that noise… But is it after Akiil? Or me?He didn’t have any time to react with more than a surprised gasp as there was a sudden cacophony of roars and yowls before everything went silent. He jumped as a silver leopardess was suddenly dropped at his feet unconscious, and Akiil stalked out of the grass beside him.

“You’re lucky I got to her before she got you, Kiorii. She’s been stalking you for an hour.” Akiil’s tone was gruff and the look in his eyes was a clear warning to Kiorii that he was in big trouble. He moved and carefully took the large blue crystal from the leopards’ neck before beginning to walk away. “Carry her.”

Kiorii flinched at the tone in Akiil’s voice and wasted no time in doing as he was told. He quickly followed after Akiil while carefully toting the small female on his back. “ I… I’ve never seen a leopard like her…” His words were but a mumble to break the silence.

“Nor should you want to. Silver leopards are an ill omen.”

“Then why are we bringing her back to Oasis!?” He hissed in response, flinching as the leopard groaned.

“I want answers. She will either talk or be forced to talk. If she remains a threat after that then she will not leave oasis with her crystal.”

“I didn’t take you to be that kind of guy…”

“I don’t care, Kiorii. You know at the very least that I will die before I allow something to harm the Voha, yet here we are. Because of this leopard and her magicks one of our family is dying, and if that happens it will break another. The progress we have made in establishing peace would be gone.” He paused to look at Kiorii with an unreadable expression. “You know I won’t harm her, your instincts should tell you that… I just want to know why she would do this when we have done nothing to her or her kingdom.”

Kiorii followed in silence after that, pondering Akiil’s words and knowing he spoke true upon the leopards’ fate.

----------------

The cave was cool, but the bed warm. Shea curled tighter into herself, her tail covering her face, and letting out a soft groan as her shoulder throbbed. She could hear an indistinct voice nearby, sounding as though trying to encourage and comfort someone. “Just a few more minutes…” She mumbled groggily.

“So, you are awake.”

Shea shot up, wide awake, only to collapse again with a hiss of pain as her shoulder burned.

“Easy there. Akiil hit you pretty hard. You’ll probably be sore for a few days.”

She growled and looked up at the lion sitting next to her. She recognized the golden coat of the male she had previously been stalking.

“I’m Kiorii, by the way.”

She glared at Kiorii before looking past him to the male that continued to talk quietly. “Tell your friend to shut up, Kiorii…”

He followed her gaze to where Cy was curled up, keeping Nymph warm and telling him everything will be ok. “No. You don’t get to make demands of him. If you want him to stop you have to fix your wrong.”

“I don’t have to do anything, and haven’t done anything.” She hissed back.

“Maybe not, but if you don’t cooperate then you’ll never get that fancy crystal back.”

Shea’s eyes widened in shock and she looked about the nest she was in for the crystal before growling loudly at Kiorii. “Give it back! You can’t just take that!”

“I didn’t. Akiil did, and he doesn’t plan to give it back until he knows why you’re here, and why you’ve changed the weather. Your actions have made one of us really sick, and he could die. If he does you have to pay the price.”

“I-“

“Shut. Up.” Cy snarled at the two, a hateful glare in the eyes of the usually glaring male.

Kiorii flinched at the hostility in Cy’s voice.

Shea shrunk back into the nest as Cy stood, she quickly realized this lion was much larger and a lot stronger than her. Her gaze fell to the smaller form now visible in the nest Cy had been laying in. The small pale lion was clearly unwell and a pang of sympathy hit Shea. She found herself slowly standing to get a better look as the lion wheezed and coughed weakly.

Cy moved to block the smaller lion from the sight of the leopard, his glare still focused on Kiorii as he moved closer. He growled at the leopard as she stood, giving her a clear warning to stay where she was. “Either speak quietly or don’t speak at all, Kiorii. Akiil left you here to watch her , not to disturb Nymph’s rest. He WILL get better, and you don’t need to be telling this outsider our every weakness.”

“… You’re such a grouch, what happened to that care free smile we all love? Well that Nymph loves. Akiil could probably care less.” He ducked as Cy took a swipe at his head with one large paw.

“I have a name you know.” Shea interrupted the two males before more scuffling ensued. She glanced between the two males with a scowl.

Cy slowly turned to look at the leopard. “Good for you, outsider. I don’t care.”

“Cy…” Nymph rasped from where he lay. He had turned his head to look at the group, but didn’t have the energy to lift it up.

Cy immediately turned and went to Nymph, a look of gentle concern on his face. He curled back around him murmuring softly.

Kiorii sighed and returned his attention to the leopard. “Sorry about him. He really is a good guy; he’s just really upset about Nymph being so sick… Aaand since you mentioned it… What is your name? I didn’t think you’d tell me since well, yeah.” He shrugged and offered a friendly smile.

“And the fact that you talk too much has nothing to do with it, right? … Shea… My name is Shea.” She looked away from Kiorii and the other lions, choosing to lie back down in the nest they had provided her with, knowing she didn’t have much choice anyways.

“Heh. Well it’s nice to meet you Shea.”

“You are a very strange lion… You’re not really going to stand watch over me this whole time are you?”

“You could say that. I don’t have to, no, but if you cause trouble then it’s my hide Akiil will be after.”

She sighed heavily. “Fine, then go get this Akiil so I can get my crystal back… I promise I won’t go anywhere.”

“That’s going to be a bit of a problem…”

Her eyes narrowed and tail twitched in agitation. “Why?”

“He’s not here. He went out to patrol since they,” he gestured to Cy and Nymph, “can’t, and won’t be back till tomorrow morning at the earliest.” He stood up and stretched with a yawn. “But as long as you’re not going to cause trouble I won’t hover. If you get thirsty, follow the moss outside. That’s where I’ll be.” He started to walk away before stopping suddenly. “Oh! If you do come out the oasis is ah no hunting and no fighting zone. It’s strictly enforced, so… Just don’t attack anyone out there, ok?”

Shea groaned in contempt, covering her face with her paws. “Fine.” These lions are insane and obnoxious. She glanced over her shoulder to where the two males remained. But I do feel bad that my crystal caused this. They have a right to be angry with me… I am no better than him if I let this continue… “I will wait till morning…” She rolled over, careful of her shoulder, and attempted to find sleep once more.

--------

The Voha’s den was silent as Shea awoke the next morning. The ache in her shoulder was quick to remind her where she was. Cautiously she looked about her surrounding, and took note that the den was very large though rather bare. Her eyes continues to wander until they rested on the still form of Nymph. Slowly she stood and moved towards the lion with a slight limp. She sighed in relief when she saw he was still breathing. I may still be able to help… She turned and moved as quickly as she could towards the exit, following the moss as was instructed.

Luckily the entrance of the cave was not far, but Shea couldn’t help but hesitate at what she saw lie in wait outside.

A large pool of crystal clear water glistened in the morning light, fed by a gentle brook that came from the direction of the mountain. Dozens of animals of all shapes and sizes mingled as if it were normal for hyenas and zebras to be laughing and sharing stories, or for a full grown lion to be playing with various young of other species. Jungle surrounded the sandy and rocky ground around the pool, and the only word that could come to Shea’s mind was ‘sanctuary’.

The lion that was currently being bombarded by children perked up when he saw Shea hiding at the mouth of the cave. He grinned as he called out to her. “Shea! Over here!”

Shea’s gaze snapped to the source of her name, her body tensing only to relax as she recognized Kiorii. She moved towards him with uncertainty, well aware of the looks the other animals were giving her.

“Good to see you up and abo- owww!” Kiorii yelped as a hyena pup bit down on his tail too hard.

Shea shook her head slightly as he laughed and play chased the children away before returning.

“Sorry about that.”

“You said Akiil would be back by now.” She shifted slightly uncomfortable as more animals turned their gazes to her.

He noticed her unease and shot a look to the creatures, making the quickly return to their own business. “Don’t mind them, they’ve just never seen someone like you, and know silver leopards are a bad omen… And I did say that, but he isn’t back yet. I’d ask Cy to go look for him, but he went to go find food for Nymph and wouldn’t let me do it for him.”

“What? Why would I be- never mind… If he’s not here then at least tell me where my crystal is. I need it, and I need it now.”

“I can’t do that. I already told you that, and-“

“Kiorii! Please…” She cringed as she began to plead, a vivid memory flashing in her mind that she quickly shook away. “Just… I promise I’m not going to do anything bad with it, but I need it back now.”

“Shea, I really-“ He jumped as a familiar voice sounded next to them.

“He doesn’t know where it is.” Akiil’s voice was a deep grumble. A gash ran down his flank from some unknown creatures claws. The massive male glared down at Shea, but made no move towards her.

Shea shrunk back slightly with a hiss at the sudden imposing appearance.

Akiil didn’t seem at all intimidated by Shea’s hiss. His tail twitched slightly almost as if amused. “Kiorii, is Cy with Nymph still?”

“No, he went hunting for him. Akiil, you’re injured.”

“Then go sit with him.”

“But-“

“I won’t ask again. I will deal with my wound.”

Kiorii sighed before slinking away to do as was asked.

Shea shook out her fur and puffed out her chest to look fierce as she attempted to regain Akiil’s attention. “Give me back my crystal.”

“No.”

Shea scowled at his bluntness. “You have-“

“No.”

“But-“

“No.” His voice became sterner. After a long moment of silence he spoke in a softer tone. “You’re name is Shea?”

She scowled at him, but nodded in answer.

“Why is a snow leopard from the northern kingdoms here? Or should I ask why the princess and high priestess here when she should be leading her people?”

Shea’s gaze snapped to Akiil, meeting his eyes with a glimmer of fear. “How-“

“I’m not surprised you don’t remember me.”

“We’ve met before?”

Akiil glanced to the other animals who were still stealing glances in their direction. He stood and motioned for her to walk with him, keeping his pace slow. Once out of direct view he spoke again, “it was a very long time ago. My mother brought me to your kingdom, the reason is unimportant. While there we attended many of your mothers’ councils. In fact our mothers were quite close. You were always busy in learning to become a priestess and the next queen to have any business talking to an outsider like myself.”

Shea’s mind raced, trying to remember if what he said was true. All that came to mind were foggy memories of a ragged and injured youth that preferred to sit in silence alone. “You were the one that was always injured. My brothers admired you because of your fighting skills…”

He glanced back at her with a cynical smile. “I was.”

“I don’t understand…”

“I don’t expect you to, but I also didn’t expect to ever see you again, yet here you are and because of whatever magic you brought with you one of my tribe is dying.”

She moved forward quickly to halt and face the male with a determined look. “Akiil, give me back my crystal.”

“No. You still haven’t explained why you’re here and why you did this in the first place.”

“I know, but I promise you. I will explain everything, but I need it back. I want to help your friend, but I can’t without that crystal.”

‘What makes you think that I will believe you?”

“Because I didn’t mean for this to happen!”

“Doesn’t mean you really want to help!” He snarled in return.

Shea snarled and charged Akiil in frustration, however whatever she had planned to do only ended in her head butting the male in the chest. She let out a noise of disgusted frustration as he didn’t so much as flinch, her face now buried in his mane. “You! You stubborn, aggravating jerk!”

He didn’t even twitch his tail as he listened to the leopard curse him as she hid her face from him. He could feel the tears she had begun to shed, but remained silent.

“Why wouldn’t I try to help!? I’m not a monster! I’m not like him! I don’t try to hurt others! I-“ She flinched as she felt Akiil move, wrapping her in a hug.

“That’s enough, Shea…” His voice was purely gentle as he spoke. It was only a moment before he stepped back to look her in the eye.

She refused to meet his gaze in a poor attempt to hide her tears.

He let out a soft sigh. “We all have our problems, Shea. The oasis drew each of my tribe here for a reason, and I know it brought you here for a reason as well. I won’t ask again why your path lead you here so long as you keep true to your word and try to help Nymph.”

“Of course I’ll do everything I can, but my abilities lie within that crystal. I can’t use any of my powers without it.”

He nodded and turned away. “ I thought as much. Come, I’ll show you where it is.”

She quickly followed him, walking at his side. “I’m sorry. I-“

“Enough said… I apologize for hurting your shoulder. I was only thinking of protecting Kiorii at the time.”

“Ah, thank you… He talks too much.”

“Yet he’s a surprisingly good hunter.” He chuckled and shoved some brush aside, revealing another entrance to the dens.

“How-“

“Don’t ask me. It was this way when I found this place. We use it to bring in food and in case of emergency.”

“You have a very annoying habit-“

“I know. You’ll get used to it.”

“What makes you think I’m going to-“ She stopped as she saw Cy racing towards them.

“Akiil!” Cy had clear panic in his eyes, and quickly back as Akiil ran past him. He didn’t care that the outsider was on their heels. He paused in confusion as Akiil ran past where Nymph lay, barely breathing, but soon moved to the smaller lion’s side. He hissed as the leopard came close.

Shea batted Cy in the face, pushing him away with a growl. She pressed her ear to Nymph’s chest, hearing a slow unsteady beat.

Akiil returned a moment later, the crystal in his jaws, and dropped it into the nest with Shea and Nymph. He then yanked Cy back by the scruff and pulled him to where Kiorii crouched a few feet away, ignoring the angry growls.

The three males grew silent and watched as Shea began to weave her magic, a glow surrounded her anf Nymph. Flecks of light seemed to accumulate in clumps before they finally converged and settled into Nymph, the light fading away.

Everything was still for several long moments before Nymph gasped for air and began coughing. He soon settled and let an exhausted gaze flick from feline to feline. He smiled tiredly as his gaze rested on Cy before succumbing to sleep.

She let out a sigh of relief as Nymph fell asleep. Her gaze turned to the three silent males watching in awe. “He’ll be ok. He just needs to rest for a few days, and have a good meal.”

“Wait, but… How?” Kiorii babbled as Cy moved to lay with Nymph once more in a confused silence.

“Shea is a priestess from the northern kingdoms, Kiorii. They’re well known for their healing abilities.” Akiil replied smirking. He gave her a nod of thanks as she joined the two.

“You said she was a bad omen.”

“No. I said silver leopards are a bad omen. She is a snow leopard.”

“I…” Kiorii looked between the two before walking away in a seeming daze.

“Akiil… Will you let me heal your wounds as well?” She motioned to the gash on his hip that had begun bleeding once more.

He nodded and motioned for her to follow once more, leading her into a smaller, but still spacious cavern. He lied down to allow her to do as she needed.

She was slow to work her magic, taking her time to make sure she did it correctly. She was silent for several minutes before breaking the silence. “My family is gone Akiil. I don’t even know how long it has been since I left my home. My grief blinded me and as a result I didn’t keep my powers in check. I’m sorry that this happened because of me.”

Akiil winced slightly at a slight pull in his leg. He lifted his head to look at Shea. “I’m sorry to hear that, but I do wonder why you’re here.”

“… He came to us a couple years ago. My mother took him in and helped him. I thought he was my friend, and he seemed harmless… He killed my parents and my brothers, and then wanted me to be his queen. I… All I could do was run. I knew I wouldn’t be able to fight him. I didn’t know where to go…”

“Shea.” Akiil sat up as she finished healing him. He gently placed his forehead against hers in a show of understanding and support. “You aren’t alone. You’ll always be welcomed here. No one will argue. We can’t replace the family that you lost, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be family all the same.”

She gave him an appreciative look and nodded. “Thank you, Akiil… I’ll think on it.”

Art: Not finished but still at least a sketch

[leafless willow]

mark!!

[justamindset]

Eira stared off into the distance, her eyes scouting for her future pack mates, a small smirk on her face. She'd made it. Her family had abandoned her in the middle of the snow season for wanting to become a leader, as they didn't believe females could lead a pack. She'd survived the odds, travelling further than she'd ever had to before, the gruelling trek near deadly. but she'd proved them wrong - not that they were there to see it, but that didn't matter to her. She was going to win, at any cost.

Eira knew there was more she needed to do than just gather members; there was a pride land to claim, a hierarchy to maintain, and a hunting grounds to scout for. With a brief glance around, she spotted a parting in the trees, hidden, but not so that it couldn't be found by the right people. She knew that many others would pass over such a spot, as the foliage would be too thick and scary for others to think about entering.
Once past the entry-way, Eira noticed there was more to this hidden part, a reassurance that this was the ideal spot for her future pride. She was ready to set forth.

The territory she'd found was situated within the forest, close to the face of a massive cliff that belongs to the crater itself. The path to the territory was small and well hidden, thus protecting the territory from unnecessary intruders. Amidst the trees sat a small valley holding a massive weeping willow that stands tall in the centre, it’s roots raised to create a den; it would be the perfect place for raising cubs. The whole area provided cover and shelter; an ideal territory. A small stream cut along the edge of the forest, at the base of the cliff face, providing clean drinking water. A waterfall at the top of the stream would provide constant water, as it ran from above the crater walls. Ledges laid out on the cliff face provided perfect sentry support for guarding, shadows giving the perfect cover to keep them hidden. 'Yes,’ she thought to herself, 'This is perfect.'

Username: DragonOfEmber
Lion name: Eira
Lion gender: Female
Pride: Winter's Heart territory description here
Pride Status: Founder

x

--•—•—•—•--

"I won't forget where I came from, Or why I'm here."

It Began

"Mother, I want to be like dad!" Little Eira squeaked as she admired her father's leadership over the pack.
"He is a very brave man, and kind, too. I'm glad you want to be like him, baby girl." Her mother spoke softly, trying to coax her daughter to rest. "It's time to sleep, baby."
"I don't want to sleep, I want to lead a pride of my own!" Eira stood tall, her chest puffed out in a prideful stance. "I want to bring joy to my people, let them feel safe and free!"
Her mother gasped. "Eira, no! Women can't be pride leaders! We're advisors and huntresses, we let the men take charge!"
Eira, strong of heart, having heard stories of prides in a valley untouched by humans, shook her head. "No, that's not true. We can lead! I've heard about them! I'm going to be the best leader, just you watch!" Eira humphed, laying away from her mother in anger.
This was the night she'd set her mind upon her dream.

x

Lay to rest in winter.

The Journey

Left, right, left, right... She walked, her head hung, her stomach rumbling as she trudged on. Alone with nothing, she suffered as she moved forward; Her tired paws were dragging upon the ground, the desert around her harsh against her thick coat. As a snow leopard, her thick fur kept her too warm. Her fur was sticky with sweat, clumps forming along her body as she searched for a paradise she'd only heard of in stories. As long awaited as her trek was, Eira had not been prepared for the long, gruelling and painful journey. This wasn't what she'd envisioned.
"One more... Let me live for one more..." She chanted to herself, ready to fall over - Until she spotted the river. She'd found it. She'd survived long enough, and now she was home.

Divider Credit found on clip2art.com
Art done by; Me

[West]

Username: Westsparrow
Lion name: Alamora (Old Felidae for "Child of the Moon")
Lion gender: Female
Pride: The Crystal Pride
Pride Status: Crystal Guardian - Keeper of the Stones

____________

Go forth into unbroken lands

Days? No. Weeks? No. Perhaps a month or longer she had wandered in search of a destination she only hoped existed.
She'd felt the calling, heard it on the wind. It led her away from her homelands, pulling her feet to the west. It demanded that she keep going, even when the land became unfamiliar and intimidating and the sky she'd known since childhood had been left behind. Without the familiar stars to guide her, she had felt lonely and frightened. Even the moon goddess appeared to be avoiding her and the night felt cold and lifeless. She wished to the stars every day until one night of many, the light returned. The claw of the moon godess hovered on the horizon when she saw it. It seemed to hold itself at such an angle that it appeared to be pointing. She'd followed.
Days passed as she began to follow a particular path, and the claw of the moon grew in size each night until it became an eye. It watched over her as she slept, and she felt safe beneath its glowing gaze.

The lands that doth burn bright

The air was strange here. At day it scalded the body - her fur was not built for such weather and it tore at her energy. Though nights were cold, as if the moon goddess had chased away the sun in order to protect her and wrap her sleeping figure in a cold that felt a lot like home.
The creatures here were strangers too, many of them with unexpected methods of defense and she was left with many injuries after failed attempts to catch her prey. She ate very little each day, and thanked the Life Goddess for gifting her what little food she could find.
The land became dryer, the heat even more scorching, until the very ground cracked beneath her paws like wounds in the earth. She saw a change of seasons in lands unfamiliar - or rather a lack thereof. When there should have been beauty in the trees, there was only brownness and skeletal trees.
Water was now scarce, a precious resource. The cracked ground began to transform into dirt beneath her paws, the color green was merely a distant memory. Then finally she walked upon a strange fine substance. It felt like snow as it sank beneath her paws, though it radiated heat that burned her paws instead of the familiar cold that soothed her on many hunting nights.

Where darkness does not flee nor hide

Her neckless began to feel like an extra weight upon her, but she refused to shed it. The neckless, it was something passed down from her first known ancestor who had acquired it from a mysterious origin. They had given it to their cub, and it became an heirloom passed down between her bloodline to the oldest living.. Until it reached her parents, who passed it down to her. At night it glittered and glowed like a mini star that had been plucked from its home in the sky and tethered to a thread around her neck.


The grounds here bathed in light


The exhaustion began to cause a visible waver in her step. Her path no longer straight and her eyes no longer focused. Day became night and still she wanders, though the the Moon Goddess was once again an eye, she no longer feels the same strengthening gaze
She squints, for upon the horizon, dark shadows in the moonlight appear, strange new shapes rising from endless sands. It is night, this cannot be a trick of the light! She gathers
The huge stones before her reflect strange shadows in the night, jagged peaks scraping at the sky like claws. It was as if amidst the lands that bow to the sun, these felidae are reaching at the sky, as if beckoning, calling their Moon Goddess back to Earth. As her sudden dehydration overcomes her, she too, mimics their form. One last desperate reach for the moon, hoping.. Wishing.. Joining the felidae of stone.

Seek the others who chase the stars

She wakes to sunlight and scorching heat once more, though she'd thought she'd never wake again. When she wakes, the figures before her are most certainly felidae, though their builds are smaller, unfamiliar, and their fur is colored strangely in such a way that she has never seen before. They are whispering amongst themselves, oblivious that she has awoken.

"Your visions told of this, I remember!"
"Yes! That's the Moon Goddess, I'm sure of it! See? Even on earth she sleeps during the day!"
"What have your visions told us to do?"
"We must greet her properly and show her our respect."
"Are you sure-"
"Oh my goodness, she's awake! We must act quickly or she might think us to be disrespectful!"
"We'll do what you say then, even though I'll warn, it may not be right."
"Hush! The goddess stands!"
Deeming the moment to be right, she rises to her feet. She sways slightly from the dizziness of her dehydration, though it appears to go unnoticed by the two felidae in her company who have already lowered their heads to the ground in crouching bows of respect.
"We, great lions of the Crystal Pride welcome you, Moon Goddess." One of them speaks.
Moon Goddess? In confusion of the current events, only has one particular thought: Lions! She's only heard of them in traveler's tales. Why there are only two of them and yet they act so humble to my appearance!
"I am Aliryia, the leader of this pride. This is my Oracle, Navala."
The black lioness with the strange fangs rises alongside her leader and the two stand proudly before her.
"Why now, dear Goddess? Why did you choose to walk the earth now?"
"Oh! I- My apologies, but I am not the Moon Goddess. I am merely one who worships her like you. I am a traveler from a distant land."
Their faces seem to drop in disappointment, though the expression appears to replace itself quickly with a new wonder. The lighter colored lioness who introduced herself as leader approaches to inspect her closely. The stranger's gaze hovers upon the crystal that hangs from her neck for several moments and an unreadable glimmer crosses foreign amber eyes.

The felidae of stone

"Where do you come from?" The lioness finally speaks.
"I hail from the lands of snow and ice, the mountains are tall and they sparkle white under moonlight. We are closer to the stars there. Sometimes, if we are lucky, the rainbow goddess - the daughter of the moon and sun, perhaps you have heard of her? - she will paint our skies with colors at night just as she seems to enjoy doing during the days in these lands after water falls from the sky. It is the night rainbow.. The colors that dance in winter." She'd admit, she has let herself become lost in homesick reminisce.
"You mean to say that the stars touch the earth there as well?" The oracle, who had been called Navala, asks in more of a curious thought than a directed question.
"'As well'?" She repeats the prophet's last words in a shocked gas. "Do you mean to tell me there is another place?"
The Crystal Oracle and the Crystal Queen exchange a glance that seems to speak a million words within a single moment. Alyria rises to her feet, tail beckoning the snow leopard forth in graceful movement. With wonder in her eyes and a growing hope in her mind, she follows the lioness into the darkness. It closes in around her, spikes jutting out from the ground make her feel as if they are entering the mouth of the God of Death and for a moment she fears she has been tricked and she is being led into the underworld.. However, Aliryia's tail upon her nose gives reassurance. It seems to lead endlessly down into a void of darkness. Until suddenly, she stops. The tips of her paws suddenly feel colder, wet even, and for a moment she feels as if she is back in her homelands, snow beneath her feet.

And you will find a blessed land

The ground below her shimmers strangely in the dark, and for a moment she feels as if she is staring at the sky. Staring down into the night sky..
It seemed impossible..
Aliryia steps forward. Carefully, she prods the void with a paw and ripples disturb the dim sparkle, revealing the secret behind the magic - water! Water and the glimmer of a thousand crystals! - The "stars" beneath her nose seem to glimmer and twinkle. The reflection of her own crystal appears to shimmer into view perfectly beside the others.
In a moment of overwhelming emotion she realizes that the crystal has finally found its way home. She has finally found her way home. It was the destiny of her family all along, and it was there she would stay just as the moon had always wanted.

Where stars on earth do glow

[denja]

Username: denja
Lion name:
Lion gender:
Pride: (If this is your founder, you can add it after/if you win the adopt/later)
Pride Status:


res!

[witchcrafting]

Marking

[Vexious]

a place of the unknown.. cta: me
username •
vexious
lion name •
icess
lion gender •
biologically female, but goes by they/them.
pride •
setting sun pridelands
pride status •
shaman & know to be ashe's adviser.

key personality traits •
observant, sly & intelligent.

personality •
they tend to have a very relaxed and formal vibe, although they seem to only talk to ashe, otherwise they are mute unless something is absolutely needed to be said to those around them. then they will speak up, they are the type of being that when they do talk all those around them will quiet down and listen to what they have to say. they can be rather brash if she feels like what they say isnt taken seriously, since they rarely do speak up. although they are smaller then your average lion, they pack quite a bite and there claws are quite large.

besides them being mute, they are also very tactical and are known to be able plan very intelligent strategies when it comes to war, hence why they are known to be ashe's adviser, everytime he has listened to them, things have looked up for the pride. they are now respected within the pride, and since the are a shaman of pride of setting sun, ashe had made it where it is illegal/unlawful for icess to breed in order to keep them pure. however.. who knows if ashe can keep to his words.. no one else knows why ashe is protective over her, they know she is his adviser so that's what they think, but they also have the ability to see others fortune or loss, and perhaps that's the secret he may be keeping from his pride about the lovely 'snow shaman'..

her story •
you wouldn't believe it, but at first icess was believed to be a traitor. which caused them to be locked away deep down inside the highrock of the setting sun, ashe had thought they were an evil demon/witch for having the ability to see his fortune or loss. so ashe locked her away, angry that such a being would be lurking in his territory, causing such mayhem, stating the deaths and the glory of others more specifically his own. he would be ashamed of what he heard them whispering, "the one who is a traitor to his pride, will fall.. with a pelt like ash.. and eyes so unique to his own" obviously he thought this meant him, and it still could mean him, but she has convinced him otherwise for now.. or have they? their intentions are never really confirmed as they seem to always switch up, confusing the pride with their actions.

however before the whole "story" of her being this fortune teller, before they were even in the savannah as a wild big cat.. they had lived with an older african american lady, as a pet. although this lady was a witch doctor, so icess had been kept as her familiar, which is also why she believes she is magical/why she knows alot of healing/strength/damage spells & potions.