[clouds-move-on]

Username: clouds-move-on
Coloring in:me
Is this your first lion? No
What are your lions celebrating? The sky is not falling from the heavens.
Rather, the drops are just water that seep into the endless sands, and into the open mouth of every creeping and walking thing on the world of I.
Timber looks up at rain for the first time and feels fear, but his father is smiling and holding his paws into the air. And he feels his own heart begin to swell as his father laughs and says.
"Don't fear it, my son. It is the rains; they've come back!"
All of Takan is cheering. Timber runs among his cousins with his brother Fireside struggling to keep up with him. All the cubs as splashing in the gathered puddles on the pavement. Timber looks up to see the town's elders gathering large vases to collect the water.
"father, has it rained since I was born? I don't remember it ever raining."
Timber has stopped to rest and drink at a trough. Randil, that was his father, was beside him now and staring up at the skies, which continued to pour with hardly a stop.
"Yes. But you were only three or so at the time. That's why you don't remember."

The city is lit up by strings of candles. Timber and Fireside helped to set them up, standing on the shoulders of their aunts as they and their cousins did their best to string them themselves on the dead boughs of the old preserved trees. They sparkle like hundreds of stars and the children sit in dazzled wonder. The rain has slowed now, and finally it has stopped. But the city has a good supply of water and this is to be celebrated throughout the night. Timber hopes he can remain awake long enough to enjoy the festivities, but he already feels that sleep has slipped his bony hand over his eyes and is trying to call him into dreams.

He goes to rest with the other children in a pile of lion cubs, watched over by one of his aunts and her brother. But he cannot fully fall asleep; he hears his aunt and uncle talking in low voices.
"Do you think that Crush will come, and take anything from us? Because of the rain?"
"Hush. The children are sleeping."
"We have to think about these things, Sleek. There may be a water tax."
"Crush doesn't own the skies nor their water."
"Yes. But he wants to. he thinks he has a right."

The conversation is stopped; the cubs are woke up by the bringing of a desert hare for them to quarrel over. Timber is one of the biggest of the cubs and he manages to get it first, making sure Fireside gets his share before they begin the tussle over food all over again. It is mostly in fun; more food will be brought later, for the hunters are preparing the feast for the party.

Timber and Fireside join their father at the large stone table set out with all the kills the hunters had made. The night has come and the desert is cool, and the sky is shimmering, and the thoughts of what his aunt and uncle had said about Crush are out of his mind for the time.
May this time last forever - may it never fade from his memory as, years later, he stands in the Vast Empty and stares up to the heavens and sees rain again.

[Meekins12345]

Username: Meekins12345
Coloring in: For myself ouo
Is this your first lion? No
What are your lions celebrating? Tambuti - It Is Finished

"So we've really found them all?"

Alosaka's bright red eyes looked over the small group of lions before him as he sat upon the large rock that he often used as a speaking spot. It had been many, many years, it felt like, since they had begun looking for the missing lions. After all, the silverpelts had shown no mercy, even back then. Countless lions were scattered upon the plains and the forests. Others were taken back to the silverpelt's territory. He knew, for Jeho had so many stories when it came to the places and things he had seen. And yet, they still had kept on looking and kept on trying to find the rest. Unfortunately, though, it seemed the majority of their numbers were not coming back.

The Tominotoak's eyes glazed over a moment as his mind brought him back to the days after the silverpelt incident. So many bodies... All of which he had to bury, and once he had found a few of the missing members, they helped him, too. They still went to those burial spots often and recollected all of the good memories- the memories of those they lost.

But, nevertheless, they had continued to look for so long, and yet they had only found a fraction of the original pride. In ways, it was a sad thing, because it would only take longer for the pride to bounce back from the devastation that had come from the silverpelts and their attack on the Wikimak pride. But just because they didn't find all the original members didn't mean that they had anything to mourn over today.

After doing some counting and seeing how slow finding lions had been as of late, Alosaka had finally realized. This was all of them. It had to be, for things had been slow, and the last few lions had not even been any part of the pride previously. So this had to be it, it had to be over... Part of it had been hard to believe but they had done it. They had found the rest, and things could finally start going back to the way they were.

"Alosaka?"

The tominotoak blinked a moment before glancing back down to Etchemin, who had called his name, before a small smile graced the male's face.

"We've found them all, yes. At least, that's what I've come to believe. But, either way, I believe that such a feat calls for a celebration, no? Get the tamatama's together and see what they can do. Let us celebrate those that came home, along with those who are in their true home. Let us celebrate, for we have finally done it."

Etchemin's face brightened a moment before he nodded. "Yes, sir!" And he went to run off and find the tamatama and spread the word.

And that night, the entire pride of Wikimak came out and celebrated the day known as 'Tambuti' which means 'It is finished'. They continue to celebrate it to remind themselves of the silverpelts and what they had done, as well as celebrate the fact that those who were lost were finally found. (524 wc)

[Cactologist]

Username: Cactologist
Coloring in: for myself
Is this your first lion? No
What are your lions celebrating? "Usuku Lokuziqhenya," Pride Day
A whisper uttered in ecstatic awe from a cub who had been waiting for the sun to rise all night, sleep far from mind. Now, as the first rays break the horizon and paint the skies with hues of orange, yellow, and red hinting at the coming fall, the cub cannot help but break the ceremonial silence of the night that had just ended.
"Usuku Lokuziquenya!" the cub said again, this time in a shout loud enough for the whole pride to hear. Although the sunrise was captivating, the cub's dedication to his honorable assignment sent him flying through the stone corridors exclaiming the news. The sun had risen. Summer had ended. It was a new year. A fresh start. He was officially the pride corrier.
"Usuku Lokuziquenya!" the sun chased him as carried the wake up call to the pride, only stopping when he reached the end of the passageways and skidded to a stop before the king's entryway, for in that hollow stood the king himself, the one who this day commemorates. He was already up and staring right at the cub. The cub was frozen in spot, chest heaving, voice almost gone, unsure of what to do. This isn't what he was told would happen.
"Child," a low rumble from the founder, devoid of emotion.
"Your Majesty," the cub finally remembered himself and dropped to the rock.
"Rise, young courrier, and share the news you bring,"
The cub held back his pride as he mustered his courage and rose to meet King Kuth's eyes.
"Your Majesty, the sun has risen," his voice was hoarse, but he still tried his best to sound regal. "It's Usuku Lokuziquenya,"
"Then what are you waiting for?" Uh oh. The king sounded angry. The cub was frozen once again. Then, after a long pause, a huge smile broke over his face. "Let's go celebrate!" In one motion, King Kuth scooped up the cub, propped him on his back, and marched towards the next doorway where he ushered more cubs onward.
-
Each year the proceedings were the same, but they were always new and exciting for the cubs. Cubs up to the age of one year observe awestruck their first Pride Day as the cubs born the year prior to them are placed into their positions and begin to look forward to their own graduation. These cubs born not in the year that just finished but the one before attempt various tasks to determine what occupation would suit them best, if that has not already been decided, as in the aforementioned cub's case.
But the excitement isn't just for the cubs, either. As the only other day of celebration besyond religious holidays, the adults enjoy a day of fellowship and relief from their daily tasks. In addition, the new seven year old fieldsmen (all lions age on this day and those that aren't fieldsmen retain their normal positions until a year when an apprentice turns two) graduate to Council Elders, and other fieldsmen are chosen to take any open lead positions.
Overall, the day combines many celebrations into one day that the entire pride can look forward to, no matter their age. It's a tradition that the pride will maintain all its years, because even when times change, they will never forget the importance of coming together as one. (560)

[StormSerpent]

Username: StormSerpent
Coloring in: for myself
Is this your first lion? No
What are your lions celebrating? nothing specifically the king just told them to celebrate as a way to boost morale

Link to the image so you can see it better

[TimelordSnowy]

Username: TimelordSnowy
Coloring in: for myself
Is this your first lion? No
What are your lions celebrating? *coughs* I uh....may have gone overboard....hope thats ok...

[1,027/500]

The battle was over. The evil was defeated. It was meant to be a time of celebration but Void could only stare blankly at the field before him and breath a sigh of relief. It was over. A nudging at his side startled him out of his thinking. Blight Stopped beside him and turned her head slightly to face him.
"We did it."
Void glanced around at his pride who surrounded him. Several were tending to their injuries or in small groups of close friends and family quietly celebrating their victory. He looked back to Blight. "I know.
"What do we do with it now though..." They both turn and look in front of them. On the ground a ways in front of them lay a small, wiggling mass of shadows. All the was left of the collective. What was once a powerful deity, reduced to nothing.
"...We seal it." Void turned towards an injured and cowering Vitali. He glared at him for a moment, causing him to flinch and hide in the tall grass. "We just have to find a way to keep it sealed." He looked around at the pride before deciding on calling Equinox to them.
"Void" She dipped her head as she approached. "what do you need?"
"We need to seal the remains. What do you think? We need something to keep it locked away."
Equinox coolly glanced at the mass. "There's a way. I just need Rumi's help." Void nodded and Equinox went to retrieve said lion.
"Hopefully this works," Blight mumbled watching as Equinox returned with Rumi, wisps floating around the male, entering and leaving his pelt as if one with his fur.
"So. What is your plan?" Void glanced between the two.
"Rumi will power the gems. There are 5. They will act as a sort of key, we split them and hide them across the world. We can't truly kill The Collective, but we can seal it away...and hope it never comes back..." Equinox explained, a somber expression on her face.
"Begin then." Void nodded at them and stepped back. He watched as Equinox summoned 5 dull red stones, they floated in the air, surrounding in a pink glow from the healer's magic. Rumi breathed in, and as he breathed out a swarm of wisps flew from his pelt and swarmed the 5 gems, all that was able to be seen was a bright blue glow. As the minutes passed the glow dimmed some. The gems still could not be seen however. Equinox began walking towards the mass. It attempted to writhe away as she approached but was unable to flee far. The gems, as they got closer to the tendrils, started glowing brighter once again, before rapidly spinning around them, glowing brighter and brighter until the gathered lions had to look away or fear being blinded. After a few minutes the glow dimmed and the gems lost the blue color. Instead they faintly glowed a dark red. And if you looked close enough...You could see a gathering of shadows in the center.
"Now....Now we send our fastest scouts to the far corners of the world and hide them." Equinox turned towards Void as she spoke. He nodded and started to gather the members of the pride around.
"Everyone! We have won this war once and for all!" Cheers erupted at his words, "However...The Collective can not be killed." Murmurs spread throughout of fear and worry. They won but at what cost if it could just return. "Equinox however, has given us a way to seal the evil away." He gestured with his tail to the 5 gems gently floating next to him. "They have sealed it's power and keep it locked away. But they must be separated. If brought together it could potentially return. So. We need the fastest members in the pride, who are willing, to race to the far corners and hide the keys." Several lions and hyenas in the crowd perked up, most of them consisting of scouts, the fastest in the pride. "You will go as soon as possible. We will celebrate, but there will be time for that later when the evil is sealed and locked away. Those that will take up this task please, step forward so you can take them and go." 4 stepped forwards, among them was Rafiki, determination shining in her eyes. Void looked out worriedly. "No one else? There are 5 gems." The rest looked amongst them self unsure. None of them were scouts. They would not be fast enough.
"It is fine." Equinox interrupted. We will bury it here. We will protect it. No one will be able to enter Blood Valley and take the gem." She dug a hole where she stood and lowered one of the gems into the ground, in the process she transferred the other 4 to the runners. Once the gem was in the hole she sat down and closed her eyes. The air around her started shifting and glowing. Performing magic on the gem. Void watched her briefly before he turned to the Runners.
"Go. They must be hidden and quickly." The Runners nodded and took off, going in separate directions and disappearing from view quickly. The rest turned back to watch Equinox work. After a little bit a small sapling was growing on the spot where the gem once was. She slowly opened her eyes and the glow around slowly went away. She looked up at the others watching.
"This tree will grow, it will protect the key. And we will protect this Valley. We will not let the evil return!" She roared and soon the others joined in, cheering and howling together at the sun they had not seen in so long. They had won. So they would celebrate. They would celebrate now and in the future when the Runners returned, and they would celebrate the fact that they had lived and turned out victorious and that no one had to live in the world they grew up in any longer. The evil was defeated and they would make sure it could never come back. No matter the cost.

[Frisco]

Username: Frisco
Coloring in: for myself
Is this your first lion? No
What are your lions celebrating? [ 614/500 words ]

Sen was doing his best to look positively dignified and proud, but all he managed was awkward. Today a year ago was the day the Alliance was established. Raziel decided that an anniversary celebration would be a great way to boost morale and to allow lions from different branches of the facility to hang out and make friends, not just co-workers. That's what he announced in his speech that he gave in the early morning for the whole pride. Then music started and he disappeared somewhere within the crowd. If Sen knew him at all he probably returned back to his office where he worked like normal. Sen wished he could do that as well. He was a strategist and a fighter, even a husband and a father, but not a party-goer and certainly not a dancer. And still, as a captain of the Night Watch, he had to be there. Fantom tried his best to make him look better than ever. His fur was clean and his mane freshly brushed and the tuft of hair on his head that always gave him a messy, just-woken-up look today was a little less of a mess. Fantom also looked his best and so did their little son, Lasan. Usually at parties they would play silly games and joke around, but today Fan decided to teach Las how to act according to the occasion and the little cub was doing his best, with his head proudly held up and a little bow around his neck that he resisted to scratch. Today you could really tell that Fantom used to be a prince and had royal blood in his veins.
Sia, the usually quiet and mysterious fluffy lioness was on the dancefloor with the shy Hefina having the time of their lives.
The researchers huddled together in a little group and discussed their recent findings, more interested in that than in any form of celebrating.
Ejsza was everywhere, walking from one social group to the other, meeting and greeting everyone she laid her eyes on. She was the type to remember them all too and consider them friends from this point on.
As time went by different districts started mingling with each other. The party was becoming more lively and everyone seemed to have fun or at least be glad that they could relax and didn't have to do any work.
Sen spent most of the day prompted by Fan to meet new people and make contacts with other captains because it would be useful to them, but also because it was required of him as the ruler of the Night Watch. After a couple of hours he noticed Raziel making his way through the crowds, exchanging a few words here and there. He sat next to Sen with his usual smile that Sen thought said: "everything according to plan".
- Having fun? - he asked, in which Sen was sure, was a mocking tone.
- Plenty - Sen answered, smiling through gritted teeth. - Was this really necessary, sir? We have plenty of work to do.
Raziel nodded his head.
- All work and no play will make you a dull boy, Captain - he chuckled. - But yes, it was necessary. A feeling of bond between different members of the Alliance is necessary for us to work as one unit. We are trying to unite all lions and for that, we need to be united ourselves. I won't be taking any more of your time, Captain - he said and his voice changed from a serious to a more joking tone one again. - I'm sure your husband would like to dance with you - and with that he left, once again disappearing into the crowd.

[Chanceuxcat]

Username: Chanceuxcat
Coloring in: for myself
Is this your first lion? No
What are your lions celebrating?

Voices echoed off the tree trunks, firelight streaming from their source. In the small clearing, around a blazing bonfire, lions crowd around to watch her dance. Another night, another celebration of life. And yet, each is celebrating their own secret success, unbeknownst to the others.

Havaska twirls, the moonlight seeming to pour down on her like a spotlight. She will be free, very soon. She just knows it! No longer will she have to play the part of a "civil princess". No longer will she be told to tame her wild spirit and still her fast moving paws. She tosses her head back, letting the fire's glow eclipse the moonlight. Tonight, she is already free!

Morello watches her, just one of the many. He doesn't know she's the princess. Maybe he would care if he knew. But he doesn't and so he doesn't care. He had made up his mind. Change is coming. He turned in his two week notice that morning. He's not going to do their dirty work anymore. He's not going to offer his opinion to hardworking folks, tell them their low quality goods are such and kick them out of their small shop. Even if they aren't great at what they do, they don't deserve to be replaced by some rich business lion who will replace them with terrible service but won't ever leave because they can pay the rent. So now he takes a sip of disgusting wine (which he'd never have near his sensitive palette normally) and he laughs blissfully with the others, watching Havaska dance.

They blink in the light, their eyes adjusting to the strange scene around them. Noen had just landed a few sunrise ago, entering this strange and intriguing world. The others don't notice their coral pink tail and eyes, the firelight and shadows making it look orange, natural. They let out a chirp as the lions widen the circle for them to join. Of course! This must be a celebration! Well, what are they celebrating? Noen thinks to themselves, settling on "I didn't die in the landing and that's good enough to celebrate". They joyfully begin stomping in time to the beat, immediately accepted by the other lions on this night. Maybe in day the response won't be the same, but at night there is nothing for them to worry about but partying.

Cressida stands off to the side, observing the party from a tree trunk just outside of the firelight's reach. It's too loud for her, after so many years in quiet. But she stays anyway, because what better way to celebrate her return to society and new mission then with a party? Tomorrow she'll find some other lions to help her on her quest, but for now she is content listening to the music and celebrating her accomplishment in quiet.

The dancing and singing is only interrupted by the arrival of food. The lions all come together to eat and drink and be merry. For right now, all that matters is that they're here, now, and they're celebrating this moment.

(513/500 words)

[WolfstormSC]

Username: WolfstormSC
Coloring in: Having someone else colour for me!
Is this your first lion? No
What are your lions celebrating?
In a small clearing of a nearby forest, a large group of lions sat. Some, carefully hanging up decorations and painting nearby rocks. Others, discussing preparations for the day that lay ahead of them.

Most of the pride didn't realise it, but Kazumi would be coming back today too, laden with his spoils of faraway lands. As the merchant, he had great fortune in finding supplies for today's celebration.

"Yoooo how's everyone doin'?" The loud boom of a familiar voice could be heard ringing from across the clearing. Some of the group turns around in delight, the others sigh in amusement. Kaz was always one to make a grand entrance for himself.

A small crowd starts to gather in excitement, eager to check out the new trinkets that have been acquired.

"Kazumi, glad to see you've arrive in time." Ralikai, the pride's leader, dips his head to the young male.

"I came to check out the good ol' den, but no one was there! Glad I found ya!" He gave a hearty smile to his leader, barely bothered by formalities.

Today was a special day for everyone, that included the young male. He had brought many things for the occasion. New paints, decorations and herbs, along with some new materials that he's sure the artisans would be grateful to get their paws on.

Only the best would do for the ceremony of life. Blessings to Yhariel, the god of life, were plentiful. Statues of the goddess, along with paintings were scattered across the clearing. While this ceremony was to honour a mother that was not of the pride, it was just as important to them as anything else. These cubs would be royal kin, something that is held dear to the Kinori Pride. Two healthy males were born, which gave new life to both the pride and the royal bloodline.

The two parents sat in the middle of the clearing, with their two young laying between them. Crowns of flowers were given to the two, a sign of their royal blood.

It seemed that almost everything was already in preparation before Kaz got back, but he was able to add a few finishing touches.

As the pride finishes the last of the preparations, they start to gather around Hazmir, Onyesha, Alarin and Sefu.

Ralikai appears from an overhead rock, ready to start his speech and commence the ceremony. He waits for everyone to settle down, before he begins to speak.

"It is with great pride that I announce the birth of my son's cubs. May the royal bloodline continue on forevermore with these two." Ralikai looks down to the two parents, nods to each. He couldn't believe that he was a grandparents already, but he couldn't be any happier to be one.

"Alarin and Sefu, welcome to the Kinori Pride!" He roars loudly, hoping that the gods would hear his joy from wherever they were.

Cheers can be heard throughout the clearing, as the whole pride loudly celebrates the birth of the two. (503 words)

[wucaian]

Username: wucaian
Coloring in: myself
Is this your first lion? No
What are your lions celebrating?
Quartz led her hunting party home as the sun began to set. It had been a successful hunt, they’d caught their quarry, a duiker that was sure to fill many bellies. Despite its size, it wasn’t enough to feed the whole pride, but two parties were sent out that day, so it would be fine. Two of the younger huntresses were dragging the animal between them. It was slow going and Quartz was mindful of the pace she set. They arrived at the clearing the pride mainly used for eating when the twilight was just beginning to come on.

Most of the pride seemed to be waiting for them, which was unusual. Usually only those who were hungry would meet them here before moving on to the main clearing. Quartz turned and helped the others bring their dinner in the last few yards. She dropped the animal's leg and turned to her queen.

"My lord, is everything alright?" she asked.

Surprisingly this seemed to amuse queen Scree as a smile spread across her face. “Nothing’s wrong, Quartz. While you were out Swift came to me and decided it was time for her to retire. We’ve just been waiting on you all.”

Quartz’s eyes grew round. Everyone knew Swift would have to retire soon. But this was so sudden. Her eyes slid past her queen to land on Swift. She stood surrounded by their pride, every bit as regal as their queen. Those that remembered the name she’d been born with didn’t share it. She’d earned the name in her early days as a huntress. In those days, what she’d lacked in stealth and patience she made up for on swift paws.

“Swifty?” The name of her lead huntress warbled quietly out of her.

Her eyes were alight with mischief and her bright fur shone in the last rays of the sun. Quartz felt the brush of fur at her shoulders as the other hunters came to stand beside her. They all watched their leader, surprise and sorrow mixing in their gazes.

Swift smiled kindly at Quartz. “None of that. You’ll all be fine without me, I know it. Now,” Swift swept her gaze around the circle of their gathered pridemates. “I thought we all came here to celebrate.”

The gathered lions roared. Bundles of dried meat were pulled out and added to the feast. Swift was given first pick as tonight was in her honor. She bent over the duiker, and then those that were still hungry descended on the food. The pride laughed and chatted as they ate. Those whose bellies were full carrying the conversation at the start. But soon most finished their food and the celebration really began.

“I remember the first hunt you led,” one of the elders began. “You’d just grown into your paws but were still likely to trip over them. You were so nervous you nearly wore a hole in the grass. But then you headed out and all of that disappeared.. And then you all came home dragging this thing that was bigger than you. You sat watch over it all day with the proudest look on your face."

A round of laughter went through the gathered pride. And on and on it went. It was late in the night when the stories began to wind down. Swift stood up and waited until she had everyone's attention. "First, thank you everyone. I love you all so much. But now, it's time for me to name our next lead huntress." She paused. Then looked directly at Quartz. "Quartz," she said, voice ringing with conviction. "Will be lead huntress. There’s no one better for the job."

Quartz was stunned. Her? Really? She disagreed, she didn't feel worthy of the title at all. But a loud cheer went up at Swift's words. The rest of the pride, the rest of the hunters seemed to think she was the right choice. Well. There was nothing to do but prove she was worthy of their faith.

[MySpoons]

Username: MySpoons
Coloring in: Myself
Is this your first lion? Yes
What are your lions celebrating? The coming of the wet season