[-Isabella-]

Username: Isabella45
Lion Name: Eira
Lion Gender: Female
Pride: xxXxx
Pride Status: Visitor
Prompt:

"Love, what do I think of love?" Eira turned her head slowly, her eyes dark. "Love can be beautiful, like all your favorite things and the best feelings you've ever had. But it can also be dark and painful beyond anything else you'll ever know. Once I would have given my very life for someone I loved. So what do I think of love? Before I answer that, let me tell you my story..."

Eira rushed eagerly down the halls of her icy home. He was here at last, her one true love. Just thinking of it made her want to laugh and dance down the hall. After this full moon passed in just a few sunrises they would be Soul-bound, together for as long as they live.

It was a rare thing for a Winter Spirit as young as Eira to find her soulmate and some had questioned her as to whether she was sure she'd gotten it right, choosing a mortal lion. But she had no doubt. Cassius was her one and only, handsome and caring, sensitive too. Everything she could ever want. And on the day of the ceremony she would give him a crystal.

The crystals were every Spirit's life force and could only be given away, not taken by force. Every crystal was a thousand years to a Spirit lion. To give a mortal lion a crystal would give them power to extend their life by a hundred years. And Eira would give Cassius a crystal every hundred years until she had none left, then they would die together and go on to the next life.


As she came to the end of the hall a servant was opening the door and she all but threw herself at the lion standing there waiting.

"Oh Cassius I'm so glad you came."

Cassius smiled. "Of course Beloved. How could I wait a moment more to see you?"

Eira felt her heart flutter. He was always so sweet. "I've been preparing everything for the ceremony. I can't wait for us to finally be Soul-bound."

"I can't wait either. After all, how many lions can say they're privileged enough to be Soul-bound to the prettiest and most powerful Winter Spirit there is?"

Eira felt her fur grow hot. "Oh Cassius, I'm really not all that."

"Nonsense, you can control a whole storm and make it look effortless. Just imagine how talented our cubs will be. And when you give me your life force we can truly be together forever. "

Cubs. Just the thought of raising cubs with her beloved was enough to make Eira feel even happier than before. "I'm sure cubs will be wonderful," she said warmly.

"Of course." Cassius smiled. "Now, I should go rest, there is a lot to do before the full moon."

"Oh yes, I'll come see you later with some of the details." Despite not wanting to leave his side Eira knew he had to be well rested for all the planning that went into this celebration. They were held so seldom that all the Spirits would be making special plans for the couple and the day. Eira knew it was bound to be perfect, just like her soulmate. Nothing could go wrong now that they were together and would be for eternity.

~

The next few sunrises went by in a rush as Eira prepared for the ceremony and spent all the time she could manage with Cassius. But as the morning of the ceremony dawned she couldn't find him anywhere.

"I know he has to be here somewhere," she muttered as she checked the library for the second time. She had already checked this wing twice but thought it might be worth trying once more. Not finding him she was just about ready to leave when the soft sound of laughter drifted down the hall.

Thinking it might be one of the Spirits who had just arrived Eira followed the sound, heading into one of the visiting rooms. But what she saw made her stop in her tracks right outside the half closed door.

Cassius was sitting close to a lioness she didn't recognize, a mortal it seemed, due to her lack of a crystal mane.

"It isn't fair," the lioness was saying, her tone almost petulant. "How can she be your soulmate?"

"Hey, I thought you didn't believe in all that nonsense," Cassius said in a placating tone.

Eira was sure she felt her heart skip a beat. Finding your soulmate was such a deep part of their culture and such a special tradition, she had thought Cassius believed in it too. Determined she must just be judging the situation wrong she chose to keep listening.

"Well, just don't forget you promised you'll love me best, even if you do have to do that ridiculous ceremony," the lioness said.

"She won't come between us," Cassius assured the lioness.

Eira was too stunned to do anything at first. Everything she had believed about Cassius and their relationship, all he had told her, lies and illusions. Choking back a sob she ran down the halls and out of the palace, ignoring the guests who seemed puzzled as she went racing by.

Once she was outside she just kept running, down the hill through the snow. It felt as if someone had stabbed her in her chest, the feeling both cold and burning all at once. It was a pain she had never felt before, tearing at her and making it hard to focus on the muddled thoughts going through her head.

Betrayed, she thought. I've been betrayed. I loved him, gave him my heart willingly. I was even going to give my own life force to preserve his. But he had never loved her at all? Had he? Or had he simply fallen out of love with her? It didn't matter. It hurt no less no matter what the reason was.

As these thoughts ran through her head she just kept running down the mountain. She didn't know where she was going, but she just had to get away. Away from him, and all the guests who had gathered to celebrate the day that should have been the most special of her life.

"And so, young cubs, I believe in love. It is real and true, but not for everyone. It can fix some lions' whole worlds, but it only broke mine."

[ahirked]

Mark!!

[Tiger♥Bear]

⊱─── Nongendered ─── ❈ 'iilhat alshita' ❈ ─── Pekee Pamoja ───⊰
Goddess of Winter

'Twas the eve of the season and all through the land
creatures prepared for an autumn-winter most grand.
The leaves had changed color and were starting to fall,
dancing and shivering when the wind made its call.

Though the valley did not see much of ice or snow
there was a place to the north where these things would grow.
The chilling gales were often a very clear sign
The arrival of a special unique feline.

Sometimes the tinkle of silver bells can be heard.
Perhaps a shadow of a lion that's antlered
with a mane comprised of ice shards that can be seen.
A glowing gaze with a demeanor most serene.

It's Goddess of Winter, 'iilhat alshita'!
Her grace like a doe and her speed like the cheetah
she brings to the valley the season of cold chill,
winds that pass through are swift with a howling so shrill.

The goddess may share the season with God of Fall
but neither the gods really minded at all.
Working together- now that might seem rather strange
however, 'twas seen as a needed interchange.

"The three months this season
will require from us both
to bring forth change and cold
for it is our sworn oath.
Since the season is short,
let us work together
to go about bringing
this bittersweet weather."

This goddess of winter was a sight to behold
Even from a distance, you might feel a bit cold.
Her powers are great but there's no need for alarm.
It makes winter enchanting and gives it its charm.

'iilhat alshita' is often heard or felt
in the air rushing by that had moved with such svelte.
The silver bell collar that she wore 'round her neck
would tinkle and jingle the whole way on her trek.

At times she'd have a mane made of crystallized ice.
They would form when she worked on winter paradise.
The world would see a snowy wonderland beauty
for this was what she did best, it was her duty.

How this winter goddess came to be you might ask
It starts with a lioness attending a masque.
She wore a mask with antlers like that of a deer
and a shawl with a crystal design, fabric sheer.
It was an annual winter Christmas party
and Karistal's personality most hearty.
Her love for the season never once did dwindle,
holidays and weather had her heart enkindle.

Her passion was known by the god of creation
who wanted to bless her for her admiration.
He needed to find a lion that he could trust
who also be willing to do the season just.

Karistal still had much of her life to live out.
'iilah alkhalq was certain there was no doubt
when this lioness' life finally came to end
it would be time to join the gods and to ascend.

Many years later it was the time to assign
a rare offer that Karistal could not decline.
With a beaming smile, the lioness called out loud

"Yes. Oh, yes! I will take the role and do you proud."

╭─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╮

Username: Tiger♥Bear
Lion Name: Karistal
Lion Gender: Nongendered (Feminine)
Pride: Pekee Pamoja
Pride Status: Deity - Goddess of Winter

╰─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╯

It is the life of the crystal...
...Karistal loves winter. Everything about it. The weather, the
holidays, the spirit- anything relating to winter was something
she loved. Her pride resided in a forest that bordered on the
northern tundra. Surprisingly, there were quite a few prides in
the area. Every year, all the prides would gather for a huge
party. It was often themed and recommended masks.
When Karistal was old enough to attend her first party, she
was in complete awe. Glistening snow, tinkling bells, holly, and
even, somehow, brilliant lights. The atmosphere was
breathtaking and not just from the decorations. The lions
were all in high spirits, wishing each other happy holidays
and exchanging gifts.

The architect of the flake...
...It was the most glorious sight she had ever laid her eyes on.
Of course, even before the party, Karistal loved the snow and
things. She could roll and play in it for hours, the wind was
rejuvenating. As a cub, she was often told this was the time
of being grateful and also a time of giving. It seemed that
most of the lions around were told the same thing.
Growing up with this mindset had her excited for the season.
She couldn't wait to spread joy and merriment among not
only her friends and other pridemates but also those of
the other prides. It was just part of how she was raised. If,
however, she had not been taught such things, there's still
a very likely chance she would've done so anyway.

The fire of the frost...
...Giving gifts to friends was always nice and did seem to be
second nature. But what really got her was giving to
those who needed it. The feeling she got when a lion who
wasn't expecting anything received a gift from her had her
cheeks aching from the beaming smile she'd have in return
to the one she was being shown.
Showing kindness to others and seeing how it affected them
made her love the season. In addition to all the other
already great things that came with it, of course. Gifts
didn't even have to be involved. When she was older, she
often played with the cubs in the snow just to make them
laugh and smile.

The soul of the sunbeam.
...Her passion was seen and admired by those around her. She
had even taken to volunteering her time to help with the
annual parties when she became older. By now, she was an
older lioness with no cubs of her own. When she wasn't
working on the party, she was out in the tundra feeling the
world slowly move on in time.
The community had taken to calling her the winter spirit
due to her admiration toward the season and its meaning.
Even after she had passed on some of the cubs now young
adults claimed to feel Karistals spirit flowing through any
that attended the celebrations or perhaps felt her comforting
presence while they were strolling in the snow.

The crisp winter air is full of it.
...After Karistal had passed the veil of death, she was met with
the god of creation. He shared with her his admiration of
her spirit and devotion to winter during her life. So much
so that he asked her to become the goddess of winter. A
being to represent who she had been and to be able to
continue her work spreading winter joy to the world.
Now an immortal being with immense power, she hopes
to keep the winter spirit alive by imbuing a piece of her
spirit into those mortal souls celebrating the season.
...

♫ Silver Bells ♫
Why the Bells?

The silvered bells three were a gifts from the gods. There are three for each month in the season (which for Pekee Pamoja is October, November, and December). It is said when you hear the chiming, you will know the season is upon you. When 'iilhat alshita' makes their travel they wear these bells. They jingle faintly with every step they take and the sound can even be heard on the wind.

Why the antlers?

It may seem an odd addition to their new look since Karistal definitely did not have antlers when she existed in the mortal plane. Being a deity had its perks. Wanting to keep a part of their mortal life, they incorporated her favorite element of the costume she wore most often to the annual Christmas party. The mask she wore to her first party and then to most of the parties after had antlers like that of a deer.

Why the ice mane?

Another element that their mortal body didn't possess but also somewhat inspired by the favorite costume. A sheer shawl that had a design of ice crystals upon it. However, this is also a manifestation when 'iilhat alshita' uses their powers to create blizzards or flurries or gales or chills. The shards appear almost like a conduit. Through the goddess, the shards distribute the wintry weather.

Why the glowing eyes?

The glow in their eyes seemed to be a side effect of becoming a deity. As a lioness, Karistal actually had eyes the color of a winter sky. Accepting the god of creations' position of being the winter goddess changed many things about the lion who once was Karistal. While the antlers were a design of their own and the icy mane was a combination of both, they had no control over the new glow. Not that they minded. It gave the diety an ethereal look.

Acrylic Headshot

Poem: Inspired by A Night Before Christmas.
Gradient Quote: John Burroughs

[SlimPaw]

Username: SlimPaw
Lion Name:
Lion Gender:
Pride:
Pride Status:
Prompt:

Mark!

[Mid-life]

username: mid-life ══ • ══ lion name: akina ══ • ══ lion gender: female ══ • ══ pride: amani ══ • ══ status: wanderer

akina was born with the enchanting power of the fragile winter. this power was not passed down by her ancestors, it was a strange blessing, a curse even-- the source of her powers remains unknown. her abilities began weak, only triggered by a sneeze, which sent snowflakes flying in the air, or extreme emotions, which made small ice spikes poke out of the ground. but, her powers grew as she aged and soon it became a hazard to the rest of her pride. those snowflakes became wintery blizzards and the small spikes became huge towering spears of ice. akina's pride chose to not interact with her, in fear of how she would react to their exchange. even the elders thought she was a message from the gods-- an omen that signified their anger towards them. it was obvious that akina was not well-regarded by the members of her pride. she was a threat to the safety of their pride, despite her intention being pure and good.

the king, in the dead of night, when most lions were asleep, exiled akina from her pride. she was driven away from the only family she knew-- she no longer had anyone to care for, or anyone to take care of her. akina was heartbroken, her world shattered by the selfish decision made by this king. the love which she carried for her pride, which she considered family, was taken away from her in mere seconds. a blizzard, during the eve of summer, began whipping along the pride's territory, covering the savannah with miles of snow. this was a consequence of her emotion-- the deep pain which she was feeling. she ran, leaving behind everyone she thought had loved her and found herself a new home. the blizzard lifted from the place where her pride resided and followed her as she fled into the great hills.

akina discovered her homestead high within the mountains, in a small, barren cave. for months she made her residence there, alone, and cold. she ate the blooms from the weeds poking through the cracks in the boulders, for during the eternal winter, which she cast on this mountain, the hares, wild hooved-creatures, and birds hardly visited. her head spun with negative thoughts that sent her spiraling down even darker ones. she blamed herself for her problems— her inability to control her powers was her fault. it was then that she had a realization. she could improve herself, gain control over her emotions and powers, and maybe her pride would let her join again if she could prove herself.

she began working diligently to attempt to have better control over her erratic powers. she concentrated carefully, starting by creating small snow mounds on her own and then slowly graduating to making elaborate ice arrangements. it was a complex process; oftentimes akina would get frustrated with herself and give up or would be spooked by a bug landing on her paw-- causing her to freeze the ground beneath her out of fright, but she always came back and progressed in her growth. soon enough, her abilities were contained and she was able to command her powers on and off and lessen the chance of her powers being set off by anger or stress. she was proud of herself, after years of hard work it finally paid off. in celebration, she created a series of bridges, which connected the 4 prominent hills in a diamond pattern. each bridge was made out of pure ice and decorated with akina's powdery snow. she named each one, 'umoja' (unity), 'fahari' (pride, joy), 'matumaini' (hope), and 'upendo' (love).

akina then marched down to where her old pride lived and offered these bridges as peace offerings, in return she wished to be invited to live with her pride again. however, when she confronted the leader, he was not as welcoming as she had hoped. they denied her offering. the cold and harsh winds which drifted down from the tip-top of her mountain had driven away most of the wildlife and they no longer had a sustainable food source. the pride-lions lifted their snouts high in the air, flicked their tails, and told the winter lioness of how akina would get this entire territory to herself-- she would have no one to worry about any longer, for their pride was leaving at high noon the next evening. akina, again, was distraught. so much so, that she roared and sobbed. " how could you leave me behind? " she cried. her roar shook the cold earth and rumbled throughout the mountains, which shattered two of her bridges-- 'umoja' and 'matumaini', symbolizing the end of the beginning of their unity and akina's loss of hope.

the wind turned bitter and the snow nipped at her nose as she trekked upwards, towards her cave once again. akina rested for days, months, and years, saddened by her loneliness. The tears running down her face turned into icicles and soon she was buried in the blizzard snow. ice began to form around her neckline, creating a makeshift mane.

after two winter seasons passed, the cold gales blew away the snow from her face and she peeked upwards, where, in the air, snow danced around in swirl-like patterns. she shut her eyes again. then a soft voice echoed across the walls of her icy cave, “ lion of the mountain, why do you bury your head in the snow? ” the voice startled her, and she jumped up, shaking the snow from her fur. “ who goes there? “ she glanced about, looking for any sign of another lion. “ what do you mean? I am the result of your sadness. you have created me to be your companion. “ the clicking of hooves rang aloud. “ i have done nothing of the sort… i-i…” she stammered, looking down at her paws, which were now glued into the ground by ice. “ i conform to your needs. i aim to serve you as a guardian and conscience, “ the unknown entity stated. a bright flash illuminated the dark cave and a deep roar sounded from behind her.

the crystal-like tiger circled akina a few times, then swatted at the ice which confined her to the ground. it shattered into a million pieces and akina jumped backwards, away from the figure. another flash brightened the room and the figure shifted into a tall stag. its expression was soft and fatherly. “ what else can you turn into? “ akina spoke, curiously. she took a cautious step forwards. the deer cast a gentle smile onto akina.

.

the stag symbolizes nurturing, gentle care, and caution. the stag is the parental, (figuratively) motherly authority over akina's life. his aim is to serve as someone who akina can trust. the stag is cautious of others and protective over those he serves. he encourages akina's explorations and adventures, but ensures she proceeds with caution and safety. he cares for the wellbeing of akina. they are very warm and comforting.

.

the wolf is the protective authority over akina. the wolf symbolizes guardianship, ritual, loyalty, and spirit. the wolf is able to build quick relationships and often trusts his own instincts. his goal is to teach akina to use this instinct, trust ourselves, and have control over our lives. the wolf is protective of akina and enjoys working alongside akina in important situations.

the tiger is a synmbol of courage, strength and power.
the tiger is a motivator and power authority. he is headstrong and arrogant.
he is very serious and keen on doing "the dirty work" for akina. he is also a
protector, but he won't admit it.

[Andromeda]

Marking

[rab1es]

mark!

[♡HappyAlpaca♡]

Username: HappyAlpaca16
Lion Name: Everest
Lion Gender: Female
Pride: Claw Pride Forum/viewtopic.php?f=103&t=4235654&hilit=Claw
Pride Status: Warrior
Prompt: wip

[katrei]

Username: rhiannon_rings
Lion Name: Vahl'ani
Lion Gender: Male
Pride: The Bad Intentions Brotherhood
Pride Status: Elder
Prompt:

[nymx]

Username: sky--lines
Lion Name:
Lion Gender:
Pride: the kingdom of highsun
Pride Status: -
Prompt: who/what they love