[Firedancer77]

Username: Firedancer77
Link to pride: Isle of Roses
Prompt Number: E47, E48
Completed Prompt:

"It's..." Tenga stared around the cave with wide eyes.

"It's-" Shujaa cut himself off, as if unable to find the words to describe what he was seeing.

"It's ice," Mzatamo finally growled, pushing past the two of them, "a giant cavern filled with ice. No need to stand there gaping like fools."

Tenga looked a little hurt as Shujaa jumped to defend them. "Mzatamo, this place is so cool and pretty! Why are you acting like it's not?"

The Healer rolled his eyes. "It's not all that remarkable. Besides, something being 'cool' or 'pretty' doesn't mean it's important. Nasaba sent us out to see what neighboring prides are up to, not to gawk at a bunch of ice."

"What if there's something cool deeper down?" Tenga offered, ever the optimist.

Frankly, the optimism was getting on Mzatamo's nerves. "You're both being ridiculous. This cavern contains ice. That's it. We're wasting precious time; this territory is not like ours, and if we aren't careful, we could run into serious trouble trying to traverse it. So, if you two would stop being idiots and could come along, that would be appreciated."

Shujaa pouted as Tenga asked, "When did you become such a jerk?"

"I can't help it. You two are exasperating. We aren't here for fun and games; we're here on a mission. So let's get back to it already.

"Go!" Nasaba cried, standing at the entrance of the camp as his pridemates rushed towards him. "Quickly, get out!"

Surprisingly enough, Kokoto took charge alongside him. "We'll go to the Isle! Mzatamo and Msaliti are there with Cheka and the two cubs, Roho and Kubariki."

Nasaba was relieved to have the help, even if it was from Kokoto, of all the pride's members. He had been frozen, not knowing what to do as the rocks continued to tumble down. "Yes, go! I'll stay behind and make sure everyone makes it out safely."

Kokoto nodded resolutely, and with a wave of his tail had the pride swarming out with him. "Follow me! Sasa, go and make sure the Oracle and your sister are safe!" Sasa didn't need to be told twice, darting off to make sure the two lionesses were alright as everyone else headed for the Isle.

Nasaba watched everyone follow after, mentally noting each pride member to make sure they all got out. Haraka was right on Kokoto's heels, and Kusafiri wasn't far behind. Following them was Maji, who was helping Jiwe get a very shaken Tenga out of the camp. Bringing up the rear was Shujaa, though he looked concerned.

Nasaba guessed why. "Where are Ua and Jino?" He asked as Shujaa stopped in front of him, panting.

"Jino is trying to carry Ua!" He finally got out, eyes brimming with concern and tears. "Ua got hit by a rock, but Jino wouldn't let me help her get out!"

Of all the times for Jino to act up, why did now also have to be one of them? Nasaba glanced at the rocks continuing to slide down before nudging Shujaa towards the exit. "Go. I'll get them."

"But I want to help protec-"

"Go! I need you to protect all of our pridemates at the Isle!"

Thankfully, he only needed to be told twice. Nasaba watched Shujaa run before turning and spotting Jino, who was grunting and straining at the weight of her seemingly unconscious sister. The pair barely avoided another hit from a rock. Nasaba rushed forward, dodging another falling rock as he slipped beside Jino and under Ua to help carry the load.

"I don't need-" Jino began.

"Shut up! I am your leader, and I am not leaving the two of you here to die."

Jino didn't argue again, and the two made much faster progress to the exit. As they were leaving, however, Nasaba came to a horrifying realization: one pride member was missing.

"You're out of the immediate danger," he told Jino once they were out of the camp, "so get your sister to the Isle where Mzatamo can look at her."

"What about you?" It was probably the most concerned Jino had ever sounded for someone outside of Ua.

Nasaba shook his head. "Don't worry about me. Someone else is still in there!"

Not waiting for a response and hoping Jino's self-preservation would keep her from following, Nasaba rushed back in. Where was he? Nasaba couldn't remember which den the Witness had chosen to rest in after receiving the ranking for murdering his father. Some of the pride would probably have told Nasaba to leave the murderer to die as recompense for his crimes, but no matter what Kifo had done, he was still a member of the Isle of Roses. The ancestors had declared that there was hope for him to make amends; Nasaba would not turn his back on a pride member.

But was he too late?

Nasaba almost gave up, till he saw a paw pushing through a small hole in a pile of rocks, and heard a muffled voice cry, "Please, someone, get me out! Please! I don't want to die like this!"

Nasaba rushed over to the pile, avoiding another fallen rock to begin pushing at some of the ones at the top of the pile. "By the rose, Kifo! Hold on, I'll get you out!"

[Kitten-Girl-500]

Username: KittenGirl2005
Link to pride: Summitfall Pride - link in my signature
Prompt Number: E47
Completed Prompt: Sekhmet and Pebble were out hunting around the other side of the cliff when they heard a trickle of water. Sekhmet, being the curious lioness that she was, immediately stopped stalking the gazelle she had been tracking and stood up.

"What are you doing?" Pebble hissed in a low voice. "You're going to let it get away!"

Sekhmet paid him no attention and began trotting over in the direction of the noise. The gazelle, startled by her movement, raced away over the grass. Pebble sat up, flicking one ear irritatedly.

The brown-spotted lioness gasped when she reached the edge of the cliff. An entrance was carved into the rock, leading deep into the earth. She went inside, whiskers twitching.

She gasped as she reached an inner chamber. It was a massive ice cavern, with icicles hanging down from the ceiling. There was a small pile of items in the center; as Sekhmet drew closer, she realized they were boughs of pine and juniper trees. They didn't grow in Summitfall Pride's territory; they must have been brought here by someone. 179 words

Username: KittenGirl2005
Link to pride: Summitfall Pride - link in my signature
Prompt Number: E48
Completed Prompt: Sekhmet was out hunting on the western side of the cliff when she heard a rumbling noise. The ground beneath her trembled, and any prey nearby instantly fled.

Tupelo, who was hunting with her, quickly raced for Sekhmet and nudged her to get her moving. "Come on!" he shouted. "We have to get out of here!"

As if his words had triggered it, snow came pouring down the side of the cliff. Sekhmet's eyes widened, and she raced after him.

Tupelo's mane was pulled back by the wind. He dove into a dark hole to his right; Sekhmet realized he had jumped into a cheetah's den. She followed him, jumping inside just as snow blew over.

She tumbled down to land on top of Tupelo. Sekhmet pulled herself off, then surveyed the den in the half-light.

A mother cheetah was there, with her two cubs behind her. Sekhmet let out a sigh of relief as she recognized Mepesi; the mother cheetah was an ally of the pride, and in return the pride did their best to support her. The earth was still trembling, sending little showers of earth down on the big cats' heads.

"So sorry to barge in like this," Sekhmet apologized. "We heard the avalanche coming and had to get out of the way."

"It's no problem," Mepesi responded with a dip of her head. "I'm happy to shelter you here for as long as you need."

The tremors died down, and Sekhmet poked her head out of the den. The entrance was facing away from where the avalanche had come, so there was no blockage.

"Well, we'd best go check on the rest of the pride," Tupelo said, dipping his head to Mepesi. "Thank you for your hospitality."

"Of course."

Sekhmet and Tupelo made their way out of the den. Sekhmet shook out her fur, dislodging clumps of snow. She, for one, was glad that avalanches weren't common. 321 words

[Runnersback]

Username:Runnersback
Link to pride: Pride of Safiri’s Oasis
Prompt Number:E47,E48
Completed Prompt:

E47:A Crystalline Ice Cave
Fuli and Naledi were out hunting together where they ended up chasing their catch into a cave.Naledi spat angrily since she was scared of caves in general.Fuli gave her a reassuring smile, and trotted cautiously in first.Naledi sighed softly if the queen was going in there why shouldn’t she? It can’t be that bad.C’mon Nal keep it together.She though to herself before trekking into the cave after her leaders mate and well her literal best friend.Nal growled as she squeezed under the rocks after the lioness she had just seen.These stupid weird spiked things were scratching her back and not in a pleasant way either.She finally wriggled herself through and ended up bumping into something well someone.Her eyes widened at the beautiful ice cave no wonder why Fuli had stopped it’s so beautiful that their actually could be crystals here!The two grinned again each other and explored a bit more and managed to find the elderly deer.They caught it and soon returned back to the pride.
[166/150]

E48:A Rockslide and A Avalanche
As the Snowmelt proceeded to happen throughout the Oasis Pride.The members worry started to increase as they gazed towards the still snow covered mountains at the northern edge of their territory.The were truly worried about a rockslide that could happen or even a avalanche still.So the grand council started brainstorming up plans and called up the pride to have a meeting.As everyone sat there awaiting the news in anxious anticipation a small cub started crying thinking that they were going to die that very instant.The mother excused herself with her cub and started to consume him as he sailed his fears to her.She looked up for a moment and saw a massive rock break off the mountain and slam down on a snowy edge sending a massive chunk of snow down kickstarting a avalanche that brought rocks out of the mountains with it.The mother grabbed her cub and sprinted back into the clearing granted it was far away but they would be safer back with the pride who heard the massive noise.
[172/150]

[Frisco]

Username: Frisco
Link to pride: The Dreamcatchers

Prompt Number: E47 [ 198 words ]
Completed Prompt:

Moe and Rem were scouting out the areas around the pride. Moe kept insisting to be given more responsibilities and Rem just wanted to go with her. An exploration quest was a perfect one for the two inexperienced lions. Though Akumu did tag along with them, to keep them safe just in case. She walked a little way behind them, visibly annoyed she had to play a nanny. Soon they reached a cave that seemed to have been completely covered in ice. They walked inside, this time Aku leading the way and peering her eyes out for any potential danger.

“Hello” Moe’s voice echoed around the cave ‘hello-ello-lo-o’.

She smiled, encouraging the others to join her in playing with the echo. They stopped only after they reached the very end of the cavern and found a delicate white flower growing there. Rays of the sun were shining on it through a gap in the top of the cave. They agreed it must have been a very rare flower to be able to grow in such low temperature and rough conditions. They decided to go back there in spring to get some seeds and plant them around their home.

Prompt Number: E48 [ 182 words ]
Completed Prompt:

It was meant to be just a routine patrol, but it turned into a breath-taking adventure. While the lions were treading through the melting piles of snow to look for dangers and smells of stray and unknown they reached a cliffside. Upon it, mounds of snow, melting, wet, cold droplets were cascading towards the ground. A very large icicle cracked and fell off the cliff, landing in front of Phetho, crashing on the ground into spiked pieces of ice and splashing him with muddy water.

“I hate winter!” he groaned loudly.

They heard a tremble. They even felt it within their paws. As on command, they all looked up and saw the snow move, as in slow motion, falling from the cliff right to where they were standing.

“Look out!”

Turu’s yell, wasn’t necessary. They all turned around and began sprinting ahead, as far from the falling snow as possible. They managed to escape it, with only the healer being partially trapped in the snow, but his head was still visible. He gave a nervous laughter and the others buried him out.

[MySpoons]

Username: MySpoons
Link to pride: The New Guard
Prompt Number: E47, E48

E47

Astrona doesn't know how it happens. One minute she's exploring around her territory-- the next, she's slipping down an icy slope, picking up speed with every second. Her claws don't help at all, she keeps slipping! It's no use.

Thank the gods the icy slope smooths out into a gradual incline, neatly dumping her into a large open space deep underground. Her breath is visible in the air and even though it is dim, the ice above her head lets in some of the weak winter sunlight. Without the sunlight warming the air, it is chilly here.

It is like a cave down here. The large space she was dumped into has multiple pathways into other areas. Icicles hang from the ceiling instead of stone. What a strange place. It seems to be made of mostly ice with some snow she brought in. Perhaps this could be a good place to store food throughout the warmer months-- if it doesn't melt with the heat.

[164/150]

E48

Astrona feels the ground rumble under her feet like the earth itself is roaring. When she looks around, she sees a lot of snow and debris kicked up on the far horizon-- and is that... the mountain moving?

"Avalanche," Blue explains, following her gaze. "It happens when the ground cannot support the snow's weight. Same as a mudslide, really, except there is snow involved."

The tigress watches, mesmerized, as the avalanche moves trees and rocks away like they are sticks and pebbles. She has seen mudslides before, as they are not uncommon in the rainforest. But with all this snow it seems extra formidable.

"Isn't Leocadia out hunting?" She remembers. Blue frowns.

"Yes-- hopefully she is out of range." The lion studies the horizon. "Or even better, she'll be able to find a lot of prey that will be fleeing the area."

"How do you escape an avalanche?"

"You don't-- not really. Unless you can get into a cave or den that has the entrance facing away from the flow. Or a very large outcropping of a rock-- but gorges or rivers will not save you. You'll just get swept up."

Hopefully, Leocadia is safe.

[195/150]

[-Isabella-]

Username: Isabella45
Link to pride: xxXxx

Prompt Number: E47
Completed Prompt:

"Dahlia, are you sure this is a good idea?" Afra couldn't help being skeptical of the other lioness's idea to explore in the snow beyond their territory.

"Of course, we need a little adventure," Dahlia replied.

"We could get in trouble, or get hurt," Afra said.

"We'll be fine," Dahlia assured her. "Look, I see the new ice and snow up ahead."

"Why are you so fascinated by this anyway?"

"It's new and interesting." Dahlia said nothing more before speeding up toward the snowy hills. Afra sped up to keep up with her.

"Oh look it's-" Dahlia had disappeared around a bend and now her voice cut off.

"Dahlia?" Afra called. "Dahlia, come on ,where are you?" The red and white lioness followed her around the side of the hill then stopped. Dahlia's tracks led into what appeared to be a hole in the side of the hill. Cautiously she followed the tracks.

As she walked the tunnel only got narrower until finally it opened up into an icy cave. Dahlia stood in the middle of it, staring around in awe at the ice walls. The whole thing seemed to almost glow and there was a pool of water in the center of the cavern.

"Look, it's beautiful," Dahlia whispered.

"I wonder if it could be useful," Afra mused.

"Afra, ever practical." Dahia smiled slightly, shaking her head. "You have to learn to just appreciate things for their beauty sometimes, whether they have some practical use or not."

(248/150)



Prompt Number: E48
Completed Prompt:

"This is the first real winter we've had in a while," one of the hunters commented quietly. "I hate hunting in this."

"Less talk more focus," the leader of the group said harshly.

"Fine fine," another lion muttered.

The lead hunter gave them a look over her shoulder then looked ahead again.

"Come on, let's go find something interesting to do," one of the hunters whispered.

Being in agreement the two youngest hunters slipped away when their leader and another older lion with them had gone to check a prey scent.

They were looking around at the trees, marveling at the size of the icicles hanging from them when they hard a low rumbling sound that got louder by the minute.

Frightened the two young lions hurried back to where they had left the others. The lead hunter stood their, her gaze on the mountains.

"What is that?" One of the young lions asked.

"An avalanche," she said, her voice unusually calm. "You must always be wary of them." For a moment her pale gaze fixed itself on the young lions. "An avalanche can be a very dangerous thing."

The younger lions nodded, something about her tone and the look in her eye making them think she had some kind of experience with avalanches. Or at least something more in mind then she said. But she offered no further explanation, simply saying, "Come, let's go warn the king. It isn't close enough for the pride to be in danger but more may follow."

And with that the hunting party headed home in silence.

(263/150)

[Sixbane]

Updated prompts for 12/21

[Runnersback]

Username:Runnersback
Link to pride: Pride of Safiri’s Oasis
Prompt Number:E49,E50
Completed Prompt:

E49:Food! Glorious Food!
As the feast had been prepared and all laid out on cleansed rocks that had been safely sterilized by the healers.Everyone had gathered around well except for Jasiri he was well still scared from the moment under the mistletoe.He was just going to sneak out later that night and hijack all the yummy leftovers as a midnight meal.Literally everyone had tried to coax him out of his den but nothing worked not even his favorite treats. As everyone went around sharing their favorite midwinter yule poems,songs,or memories they all bonded and reflected on the good time before the hearty meal.Safiri cleared his throat for a lion who was very much off key singing to wrap it up before the food had icicles on it.He smiled as he did and told everyone to dig in.The pride members dug in chatting and passing along the foods and the warm milk with lilac and cinnamon for the cubs as a treat for those who hasn’t been weaned yet.Jua and Diablo ended up getting into a food eating competition and Diablo had won.Jua was so stuffed that he couldn’t even roll over!
[188/150]

E50:The End of A Decade
The Pride celebrates the end of the year, well the decade around January 25th.They believe that their is too many holidays so pushed together in the winter time so they looked at their ancient calendars and moved the end of the year to the middle of January.This year they will be initiating a new tradition during the New year since they don’t have any.They will be creating lanterns and painting them with clays and berries and hanging them in the trees the week leading up to the new year.Then the night of they will use their left over lanterns and with their family and friends mark them with a paw print and light the inside.Then when the new year starts at Midnight, they will the send the lanterns up to the guardians as a sign of unity and humbleness from the year they had and the year they will have.
[150/150]

[Firedancer77]

Username: Firedancer77
Link to pride: Isle of Roses
Prompt Number: E49, E50
Completed Prompt:

If the Isle of Roses were to have a feast, most likely the Healers would be in charge of sorting everything, though the Hunters would be expected to get prey for them. Msaliti would definitely be in attendance, not wanting all her work to go to waste. Mzatamo would not be eager to go, but probably would at Ua's urging, especially as she herself would not be going and would ask him to go so she can be there in spirit. She would instead be spending the time with Jino, who refuses to attend almost any big event or ceremony that the pride hosts because she's bitter at the world and isolating herself to anyone except Ua. Nasaba would obviously be in attendance with Cheka and Kubariki at his side. Kokoto would be there no matter what, but for once would be distracted from bragging the whole time because he'd be doting on Roho. Sasa and Shujaa would definitely eat way too much and regret it in the morning.

Right near the end of the year, the pride has a tradition of giving gifts to thank the rest of the pride for the memories made during the year. The whole month is also spent reminiscing, in part because it is when the Memory Keepers come to visit the Isle of Rose's territory. On the eve of the new year, the whole pride will stay up and watch the sun rise together, and when it does, will all celebrate by eating together. The whole day up till nightfall is spent hunting, no matter what rank you are (save for a few, like cubs, though some parents will bring them along to join the festivities), and then the pride sits out in the savannah together to wait for the sun rise. Most of the pride will fall asleep despite their attempts to stay up, but when the sun is close to rising, the few who made it would wake up everyone else and they all would watch and cheer before racing back to camp to eat.

[EchoIre]

Username:
EchoIre
Link to pride:
Motoheri Pride


E49
Lions known and unknown chatted all around Mordax, but he didn't bother trying to join in. Just one glance sent a paranoid silence over any group, however short-lived it may be. He glanced around, looking for the lion that invited him in the first place. Finally, his ruby red eyes landed on the familiar shape of his Admiral, and Mordax quickly padded over to him.

The great warrior was busy eating what Mordax was quite sure was Fahm's fourth helping. He wouldn't be very surprised if it was his fifth, really. The man could eat.

Mordax cleared his throat to get Fahm's attention.

"Thank you for inviting me, Sir." The Lieutenant said stiffly. "But I think I should go now."

"And where do you plan on going?" Fahm replied airily, a playful and pointed sort of accusation in his voice.

Mordax shifted on his paws. He didn't have an answer.

Fahm stared up at the younger lion for a moment more, before motioning for him to sit down. "What's wrong, boy?" The black and blue lion began. "This is a party! Live a little, eh?" He nudged Mordax with his shoulder.

"I...I really should be going."

"Going where?" Fahm countered. Mordax was silent. "I won't make you stay, boy." The Admiral said with a sigh. "But don't be goin' because you feel like you don't belong or nothin', alright?" He turned to looked Mordax in the eyes, or at least, Mordax was pretty sure that's what was happening. It was hard to tell under all that mane. "You're a part of this family - we want ya here." Fahm continued.

Mordax didn't know what to say. He'd...never really been told anything like that before. "Th-thank you, Sir." He stammered. "...I think I can stay a little longer."

Fahm laughed happily. "Good!" He cried, nudging Mordax with his shoulder again. "And eat something for once, while you're here!"


E50
While the end of the year is reserved to celebrate life in all its stages, the beginning of the year is the time of birth, rebirth, and growth. As such, it is parents and young cubs who are especially revered during this time of year - especially expecting lionesses. Traditionally, the oldest lions get a day free of their duties. Grateful sons and daughters present gifts to their parents as a way to give thanks for their life, while families with cubs born within the last two weeks tend to bring gifts for the young cubs.

In this time, it is most common for the nurseries to be renovated as well. Artisans decorate the area with colorful baubles meant for the cubs, and traders often provide lush pelts for the mothers and their children. Overall, the new year is a time for reflection upon familial relationships, which sometimes lead focus estranged family members reconnecting in rare, heartwarming cases.