VOK Store Prompts (DNP)

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Here will be all my written VOK Store Prompts.
Please Do Not Post.


Index Unused Prompts:






Index Used Prompts:

SPrompts - Khalida

SPrompts - Chikondi

S4 - Royal Family Members

SPrompts - Charna

SPrompts - Nthanda - 8 Points
S6 - Ravi X Nthanda - 4 Points
S6 - Khalida X Airi- 4 Points
S6 - Celestia X Rowan - 4 Points
S7 - No Good Deed/ Khalida - 4

S4 - Nthanda- 2 Points
S4 - Noctus - 2 Points
S10 - Khalida X Airi - 1 Point
S2 - Valerius - 2 Points
S1 - Leto - 2 Points
S3 - Foreign Marriage - 2 points
S3 - Leader of Nothing - 2 Points
S13 - Thalia - 1 Points

Code: Select all

[b]S12[/b]  - 2 points
[i]Choose a lion and explain their value system. What is morally correct to them, what is morally incorrect? How did they decide right from wrong and how does it line up with the social expectations of their pride? What kind of situations are they morally conflicted about?
500 word minimum [/i]


[b]S13[/b] - 1 point
[i]Does your lion work well with others? Can they cooperate or are they bossy/conflicting towards others? Are they a lone wolf? What sort of personalities can they work the best with? Or clash the most with theirs?
250 word minimum[/i]


[b]S14[/b]  - 1 point
[i]Your lion has broken or ruined something important to another member of their pride, how do they respond? Was it intentional, or accidental?
250 word minimum[/i]


[b]S15 [/b] - 1 point
[i]Explain how your lion would cope under the pressure of an emergency situation. What would they prioritize saving? Would they panic or are they already prepared in advance? Would they fight or flee?
250 word minimum[/i]


[b]S16[/b] - 2 points
[i]How does your lion feel about humans (or other, sentient species within your character world)? How do they interact with them? Are they scared of them or curious? What if one attempted to trap them? Would they hold one negative interaction against all of them?
500 word minimum[/i]


[b]S17 [/b] - 1 point
[i]Explain your lion’s biggest insecurity and how they try to cope with it.
250 word minimum[/i]

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S13: Khalida - Does your lion work well with others? Can they cooperate or are they bossy/conflicting towards others? Are they a lone wolf? What sort of personalities can they work the best with? Or clash the most with theirs? - 1 point

Well, Khalida can take instruction if absolutely necessary. But only if she respects or at the very least doesn't hate the lion in charge. If it's someone she can't stand, forget it. She tends to be prickly so that doesn't help her get along well with others in general, but to be fair her pride haven't tried overly hard to get along well with her either.
But if you ask her she'd most likely tell you she would rather work alone than with another lion or a group.

If she does have to work with another lion she tends to work best with lions who are quiet, no nonsense, and willing to just go about the task with no excess chatter or trying to be social. When she is working Khalida is there to get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible and doesn't appreciate anyone not taking it seriously or goofing off and prolonging the time it takes to finish.

But even with someone who she can get along with well enough, most times she'd still rather work alone if possible. And she definitely does not work too well with young lions or cubs. She simply has no patience for their immaturity or constant need to be told exactly what to do and how to do it, sometimes several times over. It will drive her insane and she is bound to lose her temper with them before long. Of course, older lions who act as if they know everything just because of their age is no better and she has an equally short amount of patience for that.

(270/250)

~.......................~

S14 - Khalida: 338/250 words - 1 point

"You are confined to the den." The king's harsh words echoed in Khalida's head as she ran back to her mother's den, bumping into a few attendants along the way but not stopping to hear their chiding.
When he finally reached her mother's chamber she was caught somewhere between hurt and angry. How dare her not let her join her siblings while they listened to the pride history! Why shouldn't she know it too?
With a growl she threw herself onto some of her mother's cushions, burying her face in them. He was so mean. He never had liked her. But why did he have to bother her for no reason?
She lifted her head, swiping a paw over her face. Her anger now overwhelming her she swiped up a cushion and tossed it as hard as she could. The young cub hadn't been aiming at all and the cushion hit a small box on her mother's dresser, knocking it to the chamber floor with a clinking sound.
Instantly feeling regret the cub stood and walked over, pushing the box a little with a paw. The lid had cracked and the contents spilled out.

Just as she was about to see if any of it was broken her mother walked into the chamber and Khalida spun around. "I..I'm sorry, I didn't mean to," she said, her voice coming out half sob.

"Shh, come here." Her mother held out a paw and Khalida ran over and pressed her face into her mother's chest.

"I was so mad," she said into her mother's fur.

"I know love. I know you didn't mean to do it."

Khalida felt twinge of guilt. "I know it was your favorite."

"It was special. But you didn't do it on purpose. And right now I'm worried about you, not that box. Are you okay?"

Khalida was so relieved that her mother wasn't angry she just shook her head. "I'm okay. I'll help you fix it."

"Thank you dear." Her mother hugged her gently. "Love you."

~....................~

S17: Khalida - Explain your lion’s biggest insecurity and how they try to cope with it. - 1 Point

As a cub/adolescent, Khalida's biggest insecurity was always her appearance, more specifically her wings. As a cub they were odd growths that everyone thought were some ill omen or curse, then as she got older an attendant was instructed to bind the growths as the got bigger and Khalida wasn't allowed to take off the binding no matter what. For her own good, they said.
the fact that her father refused to acknowledge her and even encouraged the pride to treat her badly didn't help matters, leaving her nothing to protect herself with except her own wit and strength.
She did try not to let it bother her, but the taunting and jeers of other cubs, and even some adults, got under her skin as a cub and as she got older angered her.

As she became an adult and discovered what her wings were her insecurity faded, but as a cub it made her stick to the shadows sometimes and hide away, unwilling to face the cruelty of other cubs and be made to feel as if she were less than them because of the lumps by her shoulders.
Distancing herself from everyone and feigning indifference were her best coping methods, even if they weren't always the best thing for her. A prickly attitude and harsh tongue also helped, or at least she thought it helped.
In the end it's hard to say if her coping methods really did help, or only made things worse. Either way she did get over the insecurity, developing a new confidence. She never lost the sharp side of her personality but no longer felt it necessary to use it to hide insecurity or fear.

(281/250)

~....................~

S21: Khalida - What is your lion’s opinion on destiny? Do they believe fate always has a plan or do they write it off as silly? Do they think themselves in control of everything or accept things that are out of their paws? - 1 point

Khalida isn't one to believe in fantasy, but she can't say she completely dismisses the idea of destiny. But unlike some lions she doesn't believe destiny leads to an inevitable happy end, instead believing it can be both a giving and a harsh thing.
She believes destiny and fate are a possibility, but also believes that the strong willed can change such things if they truly want to.
A long time ago she learned she had to take control of her own life and since then has refused to let others determine what she can and cannot do.
The idea of things being completely out of her control is unacceptable to her. She finds it hard enough to accept that the lives of those she loves aren't something she can always protect and keep safe. But whether she realizes it or not she feels that she makes up for that in some small way by taking charge of her own life as thoroughly as she can.
When things that are important to her seem to be out of her control it frustrates her, in the case of her siblings and mother even scares her at times. But like with anything else, she doesn't let it show. She believes that showing fear and worrying over what fate might have in store only increase the likelihood that things will become out of paw and go in a direction other than the one you prefer.
Sometimes she thinks lions who believe in destiny and fate just don't have enough courage to try to change things, believing nothing they do will make a difference, or perhaps using that as an excuse. And that is something she doesn't want for herself and dislikes seeing in others.

(291/250)

~....................~

S22: Khalida -
What was your lion’s biggest educator growing up? Other pride members, trial and error, their own failures? What motivated them to change and grow? Were they driven by their own ego or by what others thought of them, or their own desire to learn and get better?- 1 point

As far as other lions, Khalida's mother and the old guard, Bucephalas, were her biggest educators. Her mother saw to it she knew everything a princess needed to know, and some of the things that others didn't believe a princess did need to know.
Meanwhile the retired guard Bucephalas taught her how to fight as well as any member of the king's Guard and how to be disciplined. She appreciates all the lessons the old guard taught her, both physical and mental.
And she will always be grateful her mother saw to it that she understood the finer points of being royalty, even if she doesn't necessarily appreciate having to execute them.

What drove her to better herself began with anger and determination. Her father's unfairness toward her early on angered her and made her want to prove to him that she was everything he never believed she was. It wasn't a matter of pleasing him or making him proud, but rather proving herself better than what he had always told her she was. And maybe a small part of her wanted to prove herself better than him too.
As she became an adult she just wanted everyone to see that she was more than what they had made her to be and she is determined to make them all see it, even if they don't want to.
Her failures or hardships have only made her all the more determined and at this point it seems like nothing can tear her down or dissuade her. In their attempts to make her weak, her father and the pride members who follow his example in their treatment of her only made certain she would rise to become more. And they don't even fully realize it yet.

(294/250)

~....................~

S23: Khalida - 329/250 words - 1 point

"Aren't they beautiful?" Nthanda breathed.

"What?" Khalida asked.

"The stars of course silly."

"Uh, stars? What's so nice about those?"

"Well, they're so...bright. And pretty. No matter where you are you can see them and they light up even the darkest night. It's just...I don't know. Nice."

"I mean, I guess." Khalida shrugged, looking up at the starry sky.

"What do you think of them? " Her sister asked.

"I guess they're...nice. I mean they make it hard to sneak when they glow so bright."

"Hard to sneak?"

"Yes. They're alright. If you like them. I don't think they're too special though."

"Mother says some lions believe they are the dead watching over us. Or night spirits."

"Sounds like a bunch of nonsense to me," Khalida said.

"Don't you think it's even nice to imagine them being something special?"

Khaida shrugged. "They're just there. I don't need them to be special. But if you like them go ahead and do that. If it makes you happy."

"It does make me happy. I just wondered what you thought."

"I don't see the use in wondering. It's not as if it changes anything anyway. And there are no ancestors I want to know are watching me so I won't take comfort in it if that's what they are. If they are nothing more than lights it's fine by me. Sometimes I prefer cloudy nights when they are hidden anyway. Seeing them brings me no comfort like it does to some. There best use is telling what direction you are going in, I think."

"Well, that is practical."

"Yes I suppose so. Only romantics and dreamers see things in the stars."

"Is that what you think I am? A romantic or a dreamer?"

Khalida was quiet a moment then said, "I think you're an optimist sometimes. I just hope that won't end up being bad."

"Well, we'll see."

"I'm sure we will," her sister said softly, looking up at the stars again.

~...........................~

S24 - Khalida - What kind of sleeper is your lion? What position do they sleep in? How do they usually wake up? Are they a heavy or light sleeper? When do they usually sleep? - 264/250 word minimum - 1 point

Khalida is definitely a light sleeper. She is always trying to be as alert as possible when awake and that doesn't easily go away when she goes to sleep. The slightest unusual noise or disturbance can usually wake her, but she sleeps fine through the usual night sounds of birds or her pridemates moving about in their sleep.
Most times she sleeps curled up, almost as if protecting herself from some unseen threat. She also sleeps facing the entrance to her den, never with her back to it.
It isn't uncommon for her to be tense or rigid as she sleeps, but of course usually no lion gets to see her sleeping so very few actually know this. The reason for it might be her always being so aware of her surroundings. Or it might be the dreams, or even nightmares, that interrupt her sleep.
Khalida tends to wake up early and not waste time lounging about before beginning her day. She has plenty to do and thinks oversleeping is a waste of time. When she wakes she is calm and quiet about it, liking to slip out silently without disturbing anyone so she can go about her day without being pestered or followed.
She goes to sleep at night, often later than the majority of her pridemates, and gets up as early as she can manage, usually before sunrise. She's never been one to take naps and tends to stick to her usual sleeping schedule with little to no variation day by day.
To her sleep is a necessity and not a luxury.

~...........................~

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S13 - Does your lion work well with others? Can they cooperate or are they bossy/conflicting towards others? Are they a lone wolf? What sort of personalities can they work the best with? Or clash the most with theirs? - 250 word minimum - 1 point

Being a leader Thalia is used to be in charge, the one giving the orders and being obeyed. But she is not incapable of accepting the council or ideas of others.
The Elder Council frequently advise her as she is taking care of matters left to her as their leader and she is glad to have different opinions and ideas. She does get annoyed if they seem to be skirting around telling her how they really feel or think, as if afraid of offending her or something.
She'd rather they just be honest even if she might not agree with them.

Even outside of her position when she is 'off duty', just spending time in the villages, others tend to look to her for guidance and leadership. Understanding why she will do her best to be what they want or need, but sometimes she would just as soon have a break and not be in charge when it isn't necessary.
It might almost be a relief at times to have someone else in charge so she can give her mind and body a break.

As a leader she is also well practiced at dealing with a variety of personalities, and while she tends to find respectful, well informed lions the easiest to deal with, she can usually make it work with almost anyone. Though it might drive her crazy with loud, rude, obnoxious lions.

But it is her job to keep order, so keep order she does, playing the mediator and peace keeper for the whole tribe.

(257/250)

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S5- Chikondi: 250/250 words - 1 point
Were there to be any whispers of intent to harm or assassinate him Chikondi would not be at all afraid most likely, but he'd probably be outraged. He'd instantly begin planning how to thwart the plan and cause his enemy the most pain or trouble in the process. But with everything he's managed he'd be confident enough that he could take care of the issue. It would be his preference to keep it quiet if possible so the pride might never know.
He has dealt with plenty of problems and threats in his time so is not easily shaken anymore.

But if the pride did find out they'd probably not be surprised that someone was out to get him. But they might be afraid, not for his life but that he would accuse any one of them of being the one intending the harm or somehow an accomplice to the plot. And open threat would likely cause a lot of worry and make the pride feel like they had to be extra careful of how they acted.
Of course some of them might almost hope the plot against the king was successful as not everyone in the pride is a supporter of the king. But even if anyone did think as much they'd likely not voice it. And a shift in power is always difficult so no matter how much they might want to be rid of the king the trouble might not be worth it to some of them.

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S4 - Chikondi - - 507/ 500 word minimum - 2 point

Chikondi never really cared about parenthood as far as the family aspect of it. In his mind cubs were always just a way to secure the future of the pride. A way to make sure there were heirs from his bloodline who would be raised and trained correctly.
He was never nervous at the prospect of becoming a parent because he didn't really intend to build a relationship with his cubs on any deep level. Until they were old enough to train he had no intention of even seeing them all that often.
Because of this he never really worried the way most parents do. His worries were all centered around whether the cubs would be healthy, because unhealthy heirs were no use and might be perceived by the pride as a bad sign or omen.

As far as disciplined, his cubs would be disciplined just like any other pride member. Perhaps even more harshly because Chikondi wouldn't want them thinking that because he was their father they could get away with anything. As princes and princesses he wanted to make sure they were always aware that despite being royal themselves and of high rank, with the ability to rule in the pride, he would still be the ultimate authority over them and everyone else.
He believes making sure cubs know their place is very important.

He'd be proud if his cubs grew to be physically strong and capable, cunning, strategic, and as much as possible like him. If they reflected well on him and the pride he'd be pleased, wanting other prides to see and acknowledge his and the pride's strength. So if his cubs could in any way help promote that he would be glad of it.
Even better if they grow up to understand and share his views on leadership and life. He believes this would make them the best possible heirs.
Other than that he'd have little to no pride in things like their first steps, academic achievements or hobbies. Those things don't matter much to him unless they interfere with his plans in some way.

Cubs who were born weak or odd looking in any way are always a disappointment and the king will downright refuse to see and sometimes refuse to acknowledge such cubs as his own. He doesn't want anyone to perceive him or his bloodline as weak, and such cubs are an unfortunate disgrace that he'd rather disregard. In addition cubs that are overly merciful or not shrewd enough are displeasing to him as he seems them as being little good to the pride or royal family. Such weak views can only bring the pride down.

So King Chikondi views cubs as a potential strength and asset, but also a potential risk or weakness. He has little to do with them when they are young but carefully chooses which of his cubs he wants to put his time and effort into. Those that he deems not worth it are mostly forgotten, maybe sent away or raised as common subjects.

~...........................~

S4 - Airi - 519/ 500 word minimum - 2 point

Airi was never one of those lionesses who yearned to be a mother and felt she wouldn't be complete without it. She thought if it happened one day it might be nice, but other than that she had no actual goals to become a mother one day.
But when she discovered she was expecting cubs for the first time, she tried to learn all she could to become a good mother and became excited about it.
Sure it was scary. She worried she'd not be a good parent, too lenient or too harsh. And what if she couldn't balance life as a royal with being a mother? More than anything she wanted her cubs to have as much attention from her as any other cub born to common-born parents.
She worried she wouldn't be able to find the balance between preparing them for their lives as princes or princesses but also shielding them for as long as she could from the intrigues and politics involved in being royalty. Once they were born she wasn't any less worried about these things, but she did learn to just take it one day at a time.

More than anything she just wanted them to grow up to be decent lions with a sense of justice and an understanding of how life worked beyond the royal circle. She also wanted them to all be well trained so they would be prepared to take their places in the pride and not be overwhelmed or taken advantage of.
Aire strove to raise them all to be well rounded with good heads on their shoulders and lacking the superiority or arrogance that seemed to plague some of the other noble lions and their cubs.
She thought that shaping their character and morals was more important than their being fancy and just looking good on the outside. It was important to her that they know their was more to life than appearances and just making things look good.

As far as discipline her cubs were pretty good for the most part and a warning or a 'you better not' kind of look usually did the tricky in stopping the before they got into too much trouble. If they did get in trouble she'd usually sit them down and talk about it with them, explaining why what they did was wrong.

Since her cubs were royalty, and by the standards of her pride nice looking, that was enough to make most lions assume she'd be proud of them.
But really, Airi was never more proud than when she would see them showing a good spirit and sense of justice. She worried at times that their father and other pride members might train that out of them, but seeing them embrace what she taught them and stand up for themselves and what they believed in always made her proud, even if also a little fearful of what the consequences might be for them.

It always disappointed her if she saw aspects of their father's teaching coming through in any of them, but luckily that was not often the case.

~...........................~

S4 - Nadir - 502/ 500 word minimum - 2 point


Nadir has no plans to become a father really, or any desire to, but as Crown Prince it's pretty much inevitable he will eventually. And honestly he isn't sure how he feels. It might not be bad, but he doesn't want to turn into a parent like his father. And even though his mother was a good parent he doesn't know that he's enough like her to be a good one himself. Aside of all that he just isn't sure the idea is appealing to him. He doesn't dislike cubs, but has never felt too comfortable around them with the exception of his sisters' cubs.

He worries that, not being overly affectionate by nature he'd not be able to be a caring or loving father. Or that with his lack of showing emotion most times he'd come across as cold or mean.
Or worse yet he'd come across as overbearing and domineering like his own father. He definitely fears being the king of father his father was more than just being a father in general.

He would want them to grow up with a chance to enjoy their cubhood, at least a better chance than he had. And he'd want them to be considerate of others and wise in how they carried out their duties as royalty. Most of all, he'd like to see them be the ones to change the pride for the better and set it on a better course for the future.

In some ways he also worries about discipline because he worries that he doesn't have enough of a gentle side or kind nature to balance out the harsher side of him so he might just come across as cruel or mean when disciplining them in any way. And his own parents had very different ways of handling things. While he prefers his mother's way of handling things, he isn't confident he could pull it off like she could so that his cubs weren't scared or hurt.

If he did have cubs he'd be proud of them if they grew up to be good lions, possessing good character and a sense of fairness. He'd be proud to see the better parts of himself in them, and proud to see them trying to work on or curb the not so good things.
Since his family doesn't have the best record as far as being 'good' lions, he'd be proud if any of his cubs turned out to be better than the kings and queens of the past.

He'd be disappointed and likely blame himself if they shared some of the less than admirable traits that run in his family, specifically on his father's side. The streak of hardness and cruelty is something he'd be very disappointed and saddened to see in any of his cubs.
If he did he would see it as failure on his part to raise them right, especially knowing that this kind of thing seems to run in the family like some sort of disease.

~...........................~

S4 - Nthanda - 513/500 word minimum - 2 point
Nthanda never especially wanted cubs or anything. Not because she doesn't like them but because she didn't want to raise them in her pride and also wasn't sure she'd be a good mother.
And yet, while she never really wanted cubs, as a princess she knew it was likely that at one time or another she would be expected to carry on the family line. Because of this she always felt it might be wise to be prepared, just in case.

But she always knew if she had cubs what she would want for them would be that they have choices, an ability to follow their hearts and their dreams. Sadly she knew this might not be the case since royal cubs tend to have expectations placed on them that they are expected to fulfill.
But, those things aside, what she wanted more than anything else, was that her cubs would know they were loved. And at times she could take comfort in the fact that this was one thing she could give them no matter what.
But other than that she was hesitant to consider some things, knowing they might be somewhat out of her control. She knew there was a good chance she wouldn’t even get to raise her cubs herself, that they’d be raised mostly by nannies or tutors. But she wanted them to be brought up right regardless, with a sense of right and wrong. She didn’t want them to be spoiled, but not neglected. Not selfish, but not afraid to want things.
When it came to minor misbehavior, such as sneaking away from a nap or sneaking treats before dinner she always tended to be like her mother, scolding them but not being too harsh. But she didn’t tolerate cubs in the pride mistreating each other in any way, and didn’t intend to let her own cubs get away with it either.
Knowing that cubs could sometimes end up being entitled or inconsiderate if not raised correctly she wanted to curb those kinds of habits early, especially since in some ways her cubs would be more fortunate than other cubs. She wouldn’t want them to take their own fortune for granted or wave it in the faces of others who had less.

As long as her cubs grew up to be decent, considerate young lions she’d be proud of them. She never wanted to make them feel like her pride in them was measured by their rank, academic success, or talents. Because while she would be proud of those accomplishments, her greatest sense of pride would come from simply seeing them being good lions and treating others right.
And even though that was the primary source of her pride, she still wouldn’t want to see them taking that for granted and not bothering trying to learn necessary things. She wouldn’t want them to end up being lazy and dependent on servants or their parents for everything just because they were royalty. So she’d want to teach them the importance of self-sufficiency rather than relying on others for everything.

~...........................~

S4 - Noctus - 508/500 word minimum - 2 point
Cubs. Well, Noctus never thought he’d want cubs. As a cub he was orphaned, left alone to potentially die by a parent he doesn’t even remember. The idea that anyone could do that to their cub bothered him as he grew up, but even more he was bothered by the idea it might be somehow ‘passed on’ to him, and he might one day treat his cubs as carelessly.
Because of this he’s never shown real desire to have them. He was raised among both servants and royalty himself and would have to say he does have a good idea how he’d want a cub of his to grow up. Even if he has no plans to ever actually let that be the case.
Unsurprisingly to him making a cub feel wanted and secure are very important. Because of what happened to him as a cub he often wasn’t able to shake the feeling that no one really wanted him, and they might abandon him at any time. The lions who raised him never gave him reason to believe that might be the case, but his fears were present and strong nonetheless.
So if he had cubs he would do his best to ensure they never felt that way. He’d want to make sure they knew they were cared for, and that he was interested in what they were doing, what they liked and disliked. He’d never want them to feel overlooked or like any problem was too small to bring to his attention for help or advice.
When it comes to punishment, well, Noctus tends to be at a bit of a loss as to what to do. He doesn’t want to be too harsh, but knows he can’t be too gentle either. So most likely he would leave the subject of punishment up to his mate, assuming he had one.
And aside of that he does tend to think that he’d be at a loss in other areas as well when it came to raising cubs though, just not seeing himself as the fatherly type. He’d want his cubs to be strong and capable of caring for themselves, but he wouldn’t want them to feel like they always had to take care of themselves rather than asking for his help.
And he’d want them to know he was always there for them, no matter what. But he doubts he would be able to really convey all of that to them. While it’s one thing to know what he wants he doubts he’d be able to actually make it work out in the end.
Truthfully, for the sake of the cubs, he thinks it’s best to just not have any, rather than have some he isn’t even sure he can adequately take care of. So in the end he think it is better to just not give it a chance, rather than to try and end up messing up. He knows such a mistake would not be an easy fix, or one he wants to risk making.

[-Isabella-]

S4 - Charna - Write about one lion’s feelings towards parenthood. What do they want for their cubs? What are their fears and worries? How do they discipline their little ones when they misbehave? What would make them proud of them? Or disappointed? - 522/ 500 word minimum - 2 point

Well, Charna never really wanted cubs. That is, having a family was never exactly important to her. She didn't plan on it so when she did find out she was having cubs she wasn't exactly excited but not upset either.
She was worried that she might not be able to manage caring for her cubs properly, but that was as much because she wasn't technically supposed to be having any, in the eyes of the pride and her leader, as anything else.

Of course she was never really the nurturing, caring type, so she did worry she'd not be good at being a mother. She tends to be disconnected in an emotional sense and not one to ever show much emotion. Because of this she thought she might come across as uncaring, and honestly wasn't sure she would genuinely care anyway. Feelings of love and caring were not common for her.

She did know that she wanted her cub(s) to grow up to be strong and capable, fitting into the pride but not being too dependent on it, able to take care of themselves. Though she might not exactly say it, she'd like to see them happy and satisfied with whatever life they choose for themselves. And if she can help them reach that point in any way, she would like to.
Like most parents she also desired to see them be healthy and physically capable, for purposes of survival rather than vanity.
She knew that because of the circumstances of their birth growing up in the pride would likely not be easy for them, so she wanted to do her best to prepare them and make them strong, able to handle whatever might come their way in the future as they grew up.


However when it came to discipline her lack of emotion always made sure her cubs knew she was serious and not just bluffing. Their protests and tears didn't ever sway her. If they had done something wrong she would find the appropriate punishment (Usually being confined to their cave or sitting by themselves to consider their actions) and she would carry it out without batting an eyelash.

Though she never really openly showed when she was pleased or proud, Charna was always glad to see her cub(s) being clever and innovative. She wanted them to have minds of their own and learn to think for themselves and not just follow the crowd. She was also proud to see them not letting the hurtful words of their pridemates get to them, and glad to see them not measuring their worth through the eyes of the king or their pride.


It always disappointed her to see them letting themselves being led by others too easily and letting themselves just go along with everything without question. from experience she knows that blindly following the advice or ideas of others can be disastrous. She views being too dependent on others, or even a pride, as a weakness and never wanted her cubs to grow up like some, not knowing how to function without the pride or someone telling them what to do.

[-Isabella-]

Let his flesh not be torn
Let his blood leave no stain
Though they beat him
Let him feel no pain
Let his bones never break
And however they try
To destroy him
Let him never die
Let him never die


Khalida always felt a desperate need to protect her family. Her mother, brother, and sister. There was about nothing she wouldn’t do to try to keep them safe, even risking her own life or health. At times when she knew they were in danger and she wasn’t close to them all she wanted to do was find some way to help and it really bother her if she was unable to do that for some reason.



Ugh! What good is this chanting?
I don't even know what I'm reading
I don't even know what trick I ought to try



Sometimes she would find herself completely lost as to what to do, willing to try anything just to fix things and make her family whole again. But especially when she was young that was hard to do since she was an outcast among her own pride and often felt as helpless as the rest of her family. But she never stopped trying to find some way to fix things, even if it was tough going most of the time.



One more disaster
I can add to my generous supply?




When Khalida displeased the king or her pride, it was usually her family that paid the price as much as, if not more than, her. It always bothered her and made her feel like she had to be especially careful because her mistakes made others suffer, so she couldn’t afford to make them. The results of those mistakes sometimes piled up on top of each other until it seemed like she would never stop paying.



No good deed goes unpunished
No act of charity goes unresented
No good deed goes unpunished
That's my new creed

Finally there came a time when she could take over the pride. She wanted to turn things around, to save them all from her father’s cruelty and injustice. But her story and motivations were twisted. Lions said she was a killer, out of control. Instead of appreciating her efforts they showed her fear and distrust. Even now when she was really trying to do good, to help things be better, lions still mistrusted her and treated her like an outcast. Like she had done some terrible thing. Their actions toward her, and the rumors that were spread hurt her, but she didn’t dare let that show, masking her hurt as she had always done.



My road of good intentions
Led where such roads always lead
No good deed
Goes unpunished


No matter what anyone else ever thought, Khalida never saw her path as one purely paved by vengeance. She did have good intentions in mind, to help everyone. And while her feelings toward her father, and some of her old pridemates, certainly influenced her choices and made her angry, she never took that anger out on the undeserving members of her pride. She feels that no matter how much good she tries to do, in the end she still suffers for it.


One question haunts and hurts
Too much, too much to mention
Was I really seeking good
Or just seeking attention?


The actions of others have made her question her own motives. Was it really more desire to help, or just a bloodthirsty desire for revenge and justice for herself that led her to do what she’s done? Did she really just want to prove herself all along, like her father before her? She hates having these doubts, but she can’t help but wonder when other lions seem to think so little of her and criticize her actions so much.



Is that all good deeds are
When looked at with an ice-cold eye?
If that's all good deeds are
Maybe that's the reason why

She even began to wonder if there is such a thing as good intentions. Does anyone ever really do anything just for the good of it, or the good of others? Or does everyone have selfish desires behind their attempts at doing good. Are good intentions just a front, something to hide behind so you can get what you want without having to face your own feelings and motivations? Her father had always claimed to mean well, that he was doing what was best for everyone. Perhaps everyone always does, and they never really mean it.


No good deed goes unpunished
All helpful urges should be circumvented
No good deed goes unpunished
Sure, I meant well
Well, look at what well-meant did



After all, she did mean well when she started out. She only wanted to help her family, and the others who had suffered under her father’s rule. And yet for all of her good intentions she still ended up here, criticized and treated like a monster for trying to do what she believed was right. Did getting rid of one monster for the better of everyone really make her into one too? She had the courage to do what others only spoke of doing and never actually did. And yet those same lions who whispered in secret what they wanted to do, instead of appreciating her actions, judged her for it as if they themselves had never considered it.


All right, enough
So be it, so be it then
Let all Oz be agreed
I'm wicked through and through
Since I can not succeed
Fiyero, saving you
I promise no good deed
Will I attempt to do again
Ever again
No good deed will I do again!

She feels like she has failed so many times in saving her family from heartaches and pain. All she has done has never really been enough she feels like. Despite her efforts her mother still ended up losing her place, her brother ended up unhappy and stuck where he was, and her sister was married off to some king before Khalida had a chance to find a better option for her.
And when she finally tries to save the whole pride from her father’s cruelty, they still look on her with suspicion and superstition. Since nothing she does ever seems to be enough she is reluctant to even try to be ‘good’. She has struggled so hard to not become her father, to be just and considerate. But lions still look at her as if she were some kind of monster.
Because of this she really doesn’t even want to try. She’s done trying to pretend to be a nice, sweet mannered princess like her sister. No one believes she can be, so why try? Maybe she really doesn’t have it in her. Maybe she is as bad as they say. And if all they expect from her are bad things, maybe ‘bad’ is what she should be.
No, she is through trying got please others. No matter what she does she will never really be good enough for them. And while at the end of the day that revelation might hurt some, she is determined not to let it get to her. She did her best and they wouldn’t accept it, so if she isn’t what they want to so be it. She’ll do things her way, and if lions don’t like it they are free to leave.

[-Isabella-]

https://farm8.static.flickr.com/7002/13 ... ca0c_z.jpg

Airi had watched quietly earlier that evening as her daughter slipped away from the others, her fur blending easily into the shadows. She hadn't questioned her, guessing she needed some space. But now it was getting late and she had yet to return so Airi slipped away to find her.

She walked down the twisted paths following her daughter's prints, realizing before long what destination it was that the winged lioness must have had in mind.

Sure enough she found her at the overlook. When Khalida and her siblings were cubs Airi had brought them here to show them the view. Now her daughter stood at the edge, her silhouette highlighted by the day's last rays of sunlight. She was looking out over the land with a serious expression that made Airi pause.

"I know you're there," Khalida said after a moment, her tone low but not menacing.

"I wanted to make sure you were okay, it's getting later," her mother said.

"Oh, I'm...just fine."

"Are you ready to come home?"

The lioness shook her head slightly. "It's beautiful out here tonight. The sunset, the quiet."

"It is nice," Airi agreed, trying to gauge her daughter's mood.

"Mother, did you ever...just want to leave everything? To go someplace and just..live life how you wanted to?"

"Well, yes. At times. But then I had you three, and I could never leave you."

"You never resented us for keeping you here?" Khalida asked.

"No, never. I loved you all. I only wished I could've given you a better life."

"One day, we'll all have a better life." The lioness looked out at the horizon, her eyes glowing a soft red that nearly matched the fiery sunset. "I'll make sure of it."

[-Isabella-]

S12 - 2 points - 521/500 word minimum

In Nthanda's pride right and wrong are determined by the king. And what he deems right and wrong for some might not apply in the same way to himself or others, depending on how he sees it. As a result the pride as a whole tends to have varied versions of right and wrong with some able to get away with more of the 'wrong' things than others might be.

Because of this Nthanda has mostly picked up her own sense of morals and their value by watching other leaders and thinking about what she would change about her own pride. What might make it an easier place to live for everyone. She believes that the values a pride hold are a very important thing, but not all of her own pridemates would agree with her on that, finding it to be a weakness instead.

Personally Nthanda believes in honesty. She thinks it is important to be honest both with your family and friends, and as a leader with your pride as a whole.
She also believe in loyalty, thinking that true loyalty to your pride and what it stands for, and keeping it safe, is important.
She also believes that both the high and low ranking should be held to the same standards of good behavior, and that they should be subject to the same levels of punishment when disregarding said standards.

She thinks lions should treat one another with respect, and when necessary agree to disagree rather than treat each other badly or start fights over petty disagreements.

Of course being royalty she also understands that sometimes leaders see more of a situation than others involved and have to make unpopular judgements or decisions for the good of everyone. But she also believes that making such decisions should not be taken lightly and it is the responsibility of those making them to be well informed and use wise judgement.

In her pride these opinions are not often popular among those who follow her father and like his style of judging things. They would find this kind of thinking 'stifling'.

Nthanda struggles most with situations in which there is no way to get out of it without one party or side being hurt or left the worse for it. She likes to do her best to help everyone, but sometimes someone will be left unhappy and being the one to choose who that will be is never an easy thing for her. Sometimes what she sees as justice will not be someone else's idea of it and she will have to judge how best to proceed, sticking to her own judgement or altering it to compromise which can be a dangerous thing for a leader. But still, it is against her nature to do anything to hurt someone else on purpose when they've done nothing to hurt her.

She tends to have very strong emotions which can also be a problem as it can cloud her judgement and shell have to set them aside to make sure she is making a clear judgement and not letting personal feelings affect her.



S13 - 1 point - 259/250 word minimum

Nthanda does work well with others overall. Being a princess she is capable of being a leader, but she isn't prone to bossiness and knows how to let someone else take the lead when the situation calls for it. Really she enjoys the time spent with others since she has been or felt alone quite often during her time as a princess.

She knows that causing conflict is not the way to get things done so does her best to be accommodating of those she works with unless they are being unreasonable in some way and she isn't the kind to cause conflict without meaning to or out of pettiness.

She tends to work best with others who have a good nature and are not especially bossy or in some way condescending. It puts her at ease somewhat and she doesn't feel the need to worry about how they'll act.
Being a princess she often has to work with others whom she doesn't necessarily like or trust and has learned how to make it work and pick her battles when necessary. She dislikes working with others who act as if the contributions of others aren't important and only their own work means anything.
Not having the luxury of choosing who she works with at times has taught her patience and improved her skills in diplomacy. She knows how told hold her tongue even when she might wish she could lash out at someone, and she can ignore little annoyances even if they are meant to get under her skin.


S14 - 1 point - 353/250 word minimum
Athena did her best to concentrate as she ran across her mother's chambers, stumbling once, then twice before reach the opposite side. As she half tumbled into the wall Athena growled in frustration.
All afternoon she had been practicing her running. The other cubs said she was clumsy, and she knew it was true. She always tripped over her own paws. Gathering her wits about her again she took a deep breath and started running back to the other side. As it happened her mother was coming in just then and Athena tried to veer out of the way so she wouldn't hit her, slipping on a rug and bumping into a side table and knocking a necklace off of the top of it onto the floor.

"Athena, are you alright?" Her mother sounded a bit alarmed and Athena lifted her head, rubbing it where she had hit it. It took her only a moment to notice that the necklace was on the floor, one corner chipped. Overwhelmed by her earlier feelings and now guilt over the necklace the cub began to cry.

"What is it, are you hurt?" Her mother crouched down and looked over her, her eyes bright with concern.

"I...I'm sorry. I...I...I'm so...so.." She couldn't quite finish and buried her head against her mother. "I broke it."

"It's alright honey, it was an accident." Nthanda hugged her gently. "Is that all that has you upset?"

"I'm.." She sniffed a little. "Clumsy. I just break things."

"It's not so bad," her mother said. "You're just growing into your paws."

"I am?" She looked up at her mother.

"Yes. You're still young and you have plenty of time to become more coordinated as you get bigger."

"You think I will?"

"I think there is a good chance you will. But even if not, I'll love you either way."

Athena smiled just a little. "Promise?"

"Promise." Nthanda smiled and hugged her. "You're more important to me than anything else."

""Good," Athena said simply, hugging her mother tightly and feeling better knowing she was loved, even if she would always be clumsy and awkward.



S15 - 1 point - 264/250 word minimum

Nthanda, partly due to her position as a leader and partly due to her personality, would keep a calm head and try to keep others calm and organized as well. In such a situation she knows what needs to be done and will firmly guide others in the right direction when necessary. In such a situation she might naturally take the lead, especially if no one else was capable of doing so, or no one else stepped up to try.
Keeping her family safe would be her first priority, and then her pride as a whole demanding on the scale of the emergency. She's made sure all of her cubs are well prepared for emergencies to ensure they have the best chance of handling it well even without her.
She herself likes to be prepared in advance, both out of necessity because of her position and her personality, being someone who looks ahead in a lot of situations to be prepared.
Depending on the situation she might fight or flee in an emergency. If fighting would hurt her family, or risk them in some way, it is less likely she'd do it because she couldn't bring herself to risk harming them.
And in some cases she knows it is wise, now cowardly to flee rather than fight. She knows how to weigh the odds and pick the best logical option.
If the situation wouldn't harm her family and she didn't think it was a foolish decision she wouldn't be afraid to fight either though, especially if it was the better way to protect them.



S16 - 2 points - 502/500 word minimum

Growing up humans were always a thing of tales to Nthanda. She never actually got close enough to one to know much about them. They would occasionally find their way to her pride's territory but initially her being a cub, and later because of her importance to the pride, she never had chance to get close to one even when they were around.
Humans haven't tried to trap any of her pride in her life time, but she was raised to believe they were untrustworthy and that she should be wary of them. Some lions even said they seemed to lack any soul or heart. The stories she heard made her never want to see one, even if she was somewhat curious by nature.

Birds were also common in the territory.
Some were trained to help the pride, to perform simple tasks for the attendants or noble lionesses, or even to act as messengers for the pride's royal family and nobility. Nthanda always enjoyed visiting the bird trainers and watching how they cared for and trained the birds. They were easy going creatures and she would sometimes find herself talking to them as she visited, or as she wrote a message and one of them waited nearby to take it to its destination.

Some lions believed that certain birds were sacred, or the personifications of spirits. Nthanda never full believed or disbelieved these ideas. Either way as a cub she tried to behave especially well if she noticed a special looking bird perched nearby.
Part of her wanted to believe that spirits watched after her or the pride in the form of other animals. She would even go looking for such spirits as a cub at times, just wanting to have something to believe in and enjoying watching the beautiful creatures in the sky and in the trees, whether they really were magical spirits or not.

Other animals she grew up around were prey animals. She was raised to respect the fact that they provided nourishment and kept the pride going.

During her lifetime plenty of accidents have occurred involving prey animals during hunts, other predators, and even humans once or twice. But she was taught that these things were just a part of life and never held it against an entire species when a pride member was injured. It was a risk of living and she accepted it as a necessary risk.

Of course, if anything terrible had ever happened to someone she was really close to that might've made a difference, but no human or animal ever hurt her friends or family too badly so she never had cause for having anything personal against them. If another species did harm a member of her family or one of her friends on purpose though it would be likely she might hold it against them as a whole at least for a short time because as deeply as she loves her family she'd be very deeply upset toward anything that hurt them.


S17 - 1 point - 266/250 word minimum

Nthanda's biggest insecurity would probably be that she doubts herself and her worth. She doesn't mean to, but during her life she has been betrayed by those who should've cared for and protected her, and hurt deeply by those who should've kept her safe.
As a cub she couldn't understand this, and though she had a better understand of it as she got older part of her always still had a lingering doubt. What if something was just wrong with her?
Was she not good enough? Not smart enough? Not pretty enough?
Was there something about her particularly that made it easy for others to hurt or betray her? Or did she somehow deserve it?
Even if she knew at times that she was just feeding into her irrational fears, or letting herself be misguided by those who would hurt her, she still couldn't entirely shake those feelings, no matter how hard she tried.

When she does feel that way she just tries to remind herself that ultimately she isn't responsible for what others do, and they're acting out of their own feelings and problems that aren't necessarily caused by her, or in any way her fault. Most times she just has to rationalize with herself and remind herself that she doesn't need to worry about those cubhood fears anymore. Sometimes Ravi, her oldest friend and personal guard will help her if he sees that she is struggling.
Now that she is older it works more times than it doesn't. But in her darkest moments sometimes nothing can banish those insecurities from her heart or mind.

[-Isabella-]

Valerius walked calmly down the halls of the palace. One one side of him was a wall covered with tapestries and painted murals. To his right stood pillars that held up the ceiling and allowed the hall to open up to a balcony overlooking the city and the sea.

His great grandfather had come here and taken over from the previous leader then began to defeat the leaders of the surrounding regions. Over years of war led by his grandsires the empire was finally established by the time Valerius's father was a young lion.
Over many years his great grandfather, grandfather, and father had worked to build up this empire into what it was today and now it was time for Valerius to take over.

His father had grown older and was ready to retire so he might be involved in the empire in a more military capacity than he was now. Under his rule the empire had put a lot of emphasis on war, being aggressive, and proving oneself with physical feats and shows of strength.

When his time came Valerius intended to change some of that. There was nothing wrong with defending your land of course, or learning to be a competent fighter. But he didn't approve of some of his father's more violent tastes in entertainment.

Thinking about the changes he wanted to make he hurried along a little, knowing that his father was waiting.

As he entered the main hall he was surprised to see that his brother wasn't there already, knowing how eager he was to receive his share of the inheritance.

"Come forward, son," the emperor said, standing.

Valerius was quick to comply, coming toward him and stopping with a slight bow. "Father. I thought Archelaus would be here."

"Your brother has...been detained. But I wish to speak to you alone anyway."

"Very well." Valerius felt a slight twinge of unease but was careful to keep his face void of those feelings.

"I know we have always spoken of your taking over from me one day and becoming emperor, but I have come to the conclusion it would be best for us all if I gave your brother the throne." He said the words calmly, matter of factly, almost as if he had no idea of what a blow this was to his son.

But Valerius knew better. His father was no fool, he was a strategist, a planner. And he knew how important this was to his sons.

"But father, you have trained me for this. All my life I have been learning to be emperor." He managed to keep his tone level, but was quickly feeling anger and even fear overtaking him.

"I know, and you are an excellent strategist, a worthy opponent. But you lack your brother's strength."

"My restraint compared to his lack of restraint shouldn't determine which of us is stronger." His words were a little sharper now as he felt a familiar irritation. This was how it always was. His brother did not hesitate to spill blood,in battle, or in the mock fights their father held for entertainment. But Valerius did not kill needlessly. He'd always known his father thought he should be more aggressive, but he had never imagined he would deny him the throne because of it.

"Holding onto power is difficult son." The emperor's tone was just barely harsher now, almost a warning. "It takes a certain ruthlessness, an ability to do what needs to be done. Your grandsires and I fought hard for this land, and I do not want to see it fall after me."

"I am capable of keeping an empire together without being a killer father! Archelaus would lead us all into chaos."

"Your brother may be eager but he is no fool. I have faith in him to do what needs to be done to protect our empire. This is all I have to say. You will get the inheritance meant for him and remain as a prince as long as you like. But I will not make you my heir."

Valerius was quiet at first, almost stunned. His father really thought that he would just accept this, forget all his years of training and accept a secondary inheritance. A small province to himself under the rule of his younger brother. Perhaps it was pride, or maybe a lack of willingness to stand by and watch the land crumble under his brother's rule. Whatever it was he shook his head slowly and backed away.

"When did you know you would do this father? Have you planned this for months and kept this from me? Were you afraid I'd fight it?"

"I need you to be united with your brother in this Valerius. The empire must see you united in strength."

"We will never be united father. I will not stand by and watch him destroy this land while I live on as the lesser prince. And you should know he won't honor whatever inheritance you give me once he is crowned. You said it yourself, holding onto power is difficult and he would see me as a threat."

"If you would just take this he would not-"

"No." Valerius spoke firmly, shaking his head. "I won't do this father. If you insist on making him your heir I will not be here to see it."

For several long moments the emperor didn't speak then he said simply, "Then I hope you find your place elsewhere."

Valerius nodded curtly then turned to leave the hall, not looking back.


After that day the course of Valerius's life changed forever. No longer the heir to a vast empire, he fled the troubles and conflicts in his home land along with some lions who still wished to follow him.
He became more distrustful than ever before, his heart hardening in some ways.

He came to know how deep the sting of betrayal could go, and he found in himself a desire to bring justice to others who had been betrayed in some way. In the wake of his brother's rule he also became more selfless than ever before as he tried to help those he came across.
Had he not been treated like he was by his father and brother he might have always remained as he was before, trying to find a balance between what he thought to be right and what his father wanted from him. But after leaving he took action like he never had before to change the things he thought were wrong, not worrying anymore about what his family or anyone else might think.