Kinori Pride Writing - VOK - DNP

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A new challenge arrives! Someone's got to go up to the sky city to enlist help, who's going up the long journey up the chain to the flying city above and why? What do they bring with them or how do they prepare?

Requirement: 200 words
Reward: Edit: 2 AC

Ralikai was hesitant about who to bring at first, but he realised that it might be best to only bring himself and the hero, as it might be better for him to talk to whoever is up there, since he is the leader after all. Bringing someone that was raised from the city could give him an edge with communication, as they would know that he was being genuine and wasn't someone that randomly found the city, or even someone that might attack it.

He brings a small pouch of healing herbs with him, as well as a small mouse, which he hoped to give as a peace offering. Do they even like mouse? He would need to find that out himself. Just as he finished packing and was ready to go with the hero, he turns back around. He suddenly remembered that he promised a certain someone that they could come along. In his initial haste, he had nearly forgotten.

"Hang on, I'll be one moment!" He calls over his shoulder as he races towards Edgar's booth.

"Come on, we're going to the sky domain! We've just prepared everything!" Ralikai hurries Edgar to leave. Protesting at first because of how sudden it was, the young tom cat eventually agrees.

They meet up with the hero and prepare to depart.

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Your pride discusses visiting the sea kingdom... what do they think it would be like? What do they expect they would find?
Requirement: 200 words
Reward: Edit: 2 AC

While the lions had heard much of the sky kingdom from their talks with Allana, they still had much trouble imagining just what the sea lions called their home. There were so many questions that came with them. Are they all able to breathe under the water? How does their home look? Do they have some interesting things that the lions living on the land have never even heard of?

Perhaps this might be a good way to exchange new ideas for both sides. This could be something that Ralikai could see as a beneficial deal for both sides.

Gyro, the artesian, also had much to ask in terms of the structural integrity of a place built in water. Was it a place made entirely in caverns, or a lustrous city made out of wonderful materials. Perhaps it could even be something else?

Meanwhile, Bahru was rather intrigued by what prey could be out in the waters. Could it only be fish? Or something more?

Kazumi was very interested in what treasures and materials were down there and if there were some interesting things, what could he even give in exchange?

They didn't know what to expect. But indeed, these were all questions to ponder and potentially ask Poseidon when they were next able to.

[WolfstormSC]

Your pride/group takes the time to explain their history to their hero, sharing their side of the story. What elements are most important they think the hero should know? What means the most in their path to becoming who they are?

Requirement: 600 words or a clean fullbody drawing with simple background
Reward: Edit: Horns (on the head) & 2 AC
Alt: 4 AC

"The history of the pride?" Ralikai tilts his head, a bit surprised that the newcomer would ask such a question. But given that they lived in such different areas, he realises it would have been asked eventually.

"Well, follow me." Ralikai knew just the place to take the young lioness. It would be the perfect starting point to tell her about the pride.

He leads her to a close by cave, one filled with paintings scattered across the walls. This brought him back to the time where he had first taught his son, Hazmir, about the old traditions and gods. He gives a long, nostalgic sigh. He was happy to re-live the experience by teaching someone new.

"So, our pride's history is a rather short one. But regardless, it is a story that I am happy to tell. When I was coming into leadership, a lot of my former pride mates didn't think I was ready and in fact, they opposed me on this. They ended up leaving when my father passed. I didn't give up hope though. I started my own pride from the ground up, the one that you now see today. Stuff like the gods, were well kept traditions that my previous pride had. But at the same time, we do have a lot of new things that weren't previously present within that pride." He takes a brief look around from his explanation. He noted they key differences in his head, but thought it was much too soon to tell the newcomer of such things. After all, he didn't want to overwhelm her too much.

He dips his head to her, before continuing.

"Something of which we kept, is our gods. If you look at the walls of this cave," He gestures with a paw towards the walls, where many paintings were laid out. "there are paintings of them scattered across this area.

"As of right now, we have a total of 11 gods that we worship. Each one just as important as the last. For now, I think it might be best for us to focus on Tharoul, who is the god of war. If we pray to him during our war with these creatures, we are sure to receive his blessing. He was aggressive, but he was also a very fair god." Ralikai bows, before stopping to offer a prayer to the god. He hoped that by doing this, he would show the correct way and the correct customs that come with praying to a god.

Raiyo looked puzzled at first by all of this new knowledge, but she soon took it all in and joined Ralikai in his prayer. She repeated his words, making sure to say the same as him. She didn't want to receive that wrath of a god just because she had said the wrong thing, after all.

Raiyo took a quick glace at the walls. It seemed like there were a lot of important things scribbled on there, but she decided not to ask, not for now, at least. She wanted to focus on what Ralikai deemed important for now and would focus on the less important things when the pride had the time to teacher her about these things in more detail, and when they weren't currently under siege by the rock creatures that invaded the lands.

Ralikai nods, pleased with how Raiyo had done her prayer. Indeed, she was learning the customs rather quickly and was becoming a valuable asset to the clan. Perhaps the newcomers were right about her after all. Maybe she really will be able to save them all after all.

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The distant city in the sky calls to some of your pride/group members, but not to others; who stays behind and why?

Requirement: 200 words, or 1 fullbody sketch
Reward: Edit: Small fangs & 1 AC
Alt: 2 AC

A lot of lions did end up staying behind, but it was not for any of the reasons that the newcomers may think. To put it simply, the Kinori Pride was only small in numbers and they still needed most of their members down on the ground so that they could still effectively go on with their tasks, without fear that they will be attacked by the creatures. Ralikai ended up being the best choice, as he was the leader. If anyone could get more to join their cause, it would be him. Raiyo was the next best candidate, as she was already from the city. This would help in both guidance and communication, as she would be able to show him where to go and would help to show the others that Ralikai did in fact have good intentions.

However, even if they could go, a lot of the pride would want to stay behind anyway, as they would be weary of what it might be like. Perhaps Maijo would have wanted to join, just to get a better understanding of the group's militaristic outlook, given that she was the commander of the pride. But no, the others wouldn't be too interested in going.

[WolfstormSC]

Who's in charge of tracking down the traitor, and how do they find her? What's your hero's new plan for battling an ancient sorceress, and how do they cope with the sudden change of direction and enemy?

Requirement: 850 words or 1 flatcolor fullbody with simple background

Reward: Edit: Large/major wings & 2 AC

Alt: 5 AC

In the middle of the caverns, Ralikai had called a meeting among his lions. it grew apparent that something needed to be done. Something new, in fact. This change of direction was interesting, but it could cause a lot of confusion and conflict if not addressed soon. Everyone had already grown weary and a traitor added on top of this? Indeed, it was no boost to morale at all and could instead, be rather damaging.

"Dairus, do you think you can track down the traitor?" Ralikai questions the young scout, fully trusting in his ability. He had never once led them astray, so he was more than sure of the abilities that Dairus possessed.

"Taro, you will be continuing the search at night, so that Dairus can rest. We still want him to be in good health." He nods to the both of them. They both dip their heads respectfully in return. A grateful glint fell across Dairus, as he realised the concern that his leader had for him.

Ralikai looked around the crowd, trying to determine roles that other members could play in this. He knew that some new goals would also boost just how productive everyone was, as it would be different from the rather mundane things that have happened.

"Zylas, while I go around to the cities with Raiyo, you will be in charge." The both nod at each other. Zylas was Ralikai's trusted second in command and he would trust this capable lion with his life. So entrusting the pride during this time was also an easy task.

He catches a glimpse at Raiyo, to see what she thought of this. She had a concerned look in her eyes, but she seemed determined to continue her journey with the pride's leader. Ralikai already knew how much she wanted to help the pride, especially as the chosen hero from the other domains.

He scans everyone once again. Aha! Another good addition.

"Maijo, will you continue aiding us with your battle tactics? Without a doubt, you are the best of the best when it comes to fighting. We couldn't do this without you." He bows down to the commander, acknowledging the power that she held.

"Of course, my lord." Maijo bows to her leader, with equal respect. She was happy to assist in any way and if that meant battle plans and tactics, then she would gladly assist. She knew that her job was to keep the magical creatures at bay, while everyone else worked on tracking. After all, someone had to make sure that everyone else was protected during this time.

"Everyone else, you may continue as normal. However, if anyone that was just mentioned asks for your assistance, I must ask you to help them out. Our main priority is the traitor. But if we become over run by other things, we will need help with those too." He informs the pride, having no doubt that they will all be able to work together to successfully eliminate the threat. He had full trust in his pride.

"Everyone is now dismissed from this meeting." He nods to them all, before turning around to go sort his own things out with the underwater city.


Dairus sighed, a bit unsure with how to tackle this at first. He was grateful that his leader had trusted him, but he wasn't sure how to start. He decided to take it up with Taro, since the two of them would need to relay information back and forth, given that they were both working on the same case.

"Hmm... Well, she's a mage, isn't she? How about you look for any traces of magic and start from there?" Taro advised Dairus. He nods, this was a good way to start. He gives her a quick "thanks", before leaving to get started on his mission. Start with magic traces, got it.


Meanwhile, Raiyo stands from where she was sitting. She goes to follow Ralikai, given that they both had to go to the underwater city together. No doubt, he was waiting for her to take the new information in, before waiting for her to follow. Once she caught up, she realised that he was doing just that. He was walking and an alarmingly slow pace, just waiting for her to catch up to him. She chuckles at this.

This information was all so new to her, so it was a bit hard for her to take in at first.
"Do I really... Have to kill someone else?" She asks the king, a bit afraid of his answer.

"You do not have to, but it might be best for everyone else if you do." The king doesn't look back at her, but instead, responds to her rather casually. He wanted this choice to be her decision. After all, she was the hero and her choices are what would shape this.

"I think..." She stops, pondering once more. "I think that maybe we should capture her first. Interrogate a bit, you know? However, if she resists too much, then maybe it is safer for everyone else that way..." She trails off, a sad glint in her eyes. However, she was sure that this is the path that she wishes to take, so this is what they will do.

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Every 200 words of writing = 1 point = 1 AC

1,200 words = 6 AC

Prompt: Write/Draw about your hero's choice of where they will choose to stay and why


The fight had been a difficult one, but Raiyo was sure that she had made the right choice in the end. The villain was captured peacefully and the stone creatures were put to rest. This was an idea outcome for all parties involved and better yet, there was no casualties. Sure, a few soldiers were hurt, but no one had lost their life. This was rather miraculous indeed.

But now, the prophecy had come to pass. Everyone was now to go back to their original ways and the chains that held all 3 alliances together would now disappear, separating the freedom of each side seeing one another.

"The choice is yours, you have trained with the pride of the for some time now. Where shall you go?" The queen gave Raiyo a choice that she did not think that it was hers to make.

The sky domain had been her home for some time now. Was it really right to pick anywhere else? But at the same time, she had made a lot of great friends in the kinori pride, especially their leader, Ralikai, who she was already very close with already. She knew that she wouldn't be able to survive in the sea city, given that she did not possess gills and would need a constant spell cast over her for her to be able to stay there. Although she did enjoy her travel down there, she did not fancy that thought, nor did she have much of a reason for staying. Indeed, the two choices seemed to be the new pride or her old city. She had many friends, but the amount of freedom she had in these new lands was incredible. The roles seemed to be very different and although they were rather primitive in comparison to her homeland, they had a strong familiar bond and a decent home.

"I... I need some time to think it through. I'm sorry your highness. The path I must take is a bit unclear to me at the moment." She dips her head, hoping that the queen would not take offence to her not immediately picking to live in the sky once again.

The queen merely gives a nod, then dismisses the hero.

Raiyo knows that she had lots of thinking to do in the coming days to make her choice out of the two places.

She went over the positives and negatives of each place, but she never really could come up with her answer that way. She decided to visit Ralikai, perhaps that might help her.

Ralikai, I..." As Raiyo steps into the leader's den, she was surprised to see that he wasn't there. This wasn't like him, he was usually in there or at the very least, he was sorting out some official business within the pride. She decided that he might be doing that, so she goes to check all of the usual spots that she may find him in while doing this. Still there was nothing and no sign of him at all. Where had the king gone? And at such a busy moment within the pride too. Everyone else was scrambling about, trying to fix up the mess that the stone creatures had brought to the land.

Raiyo decides to explore the territory instead. Perhaps that would give her a good feel for the territory. Something that she feels might help to aid her decision.

She climbs her way up through the caverns of the camp. Once out in the open, she observes her surroundings, opting towards the lush greenery of the forest area. In truth, Raiyo was always escorted by someone else through the Kinori Pride's territory, due to her being valuable to the operation. She had always had someone else to look out for her or to protect her that it almost felt... Lonely to not have anyone with her during this.

She shook her head. No, this wasn't a good way to be thinking. She came here to enjoy the scenery. She knew that she was safe now, since the battle was over. She didn't need the protection of someone else and in truth, she was thankful for that. In part, because she wanted to be strong enough to protect herself. But still, she was never able to take it slow and was always rushing. It was so peaceful in this area. So quiet. She walked in silence for a good while, taking in her surroundings with a mystifying curiosity.

In fact, she was so busy doing this that she didn't even see Ralikai. Until she bumped headfirst into him, that is.

"Oh my, I'm so sorry!" Raiyo apologises, bowing before she even caught a glimpse of who it was.

Ralikai gives an amused grin. He was glad to have met her here, even if she had disturbed him by bumping into him. In fact, he didn't mind one bit.

"You have no need to bow to me, hero. Head up." He orders, his voice gentle and his eyes shinning.

"Ralikai!" Raiyo sighs in relief, it was someone that she knew, not some random stranger that could have gotten mad at her mistake. She tilts her head, curiously. Why was he here, of all places?

Ralikai caught wind of this, knowing that she would have found it strange that he wouldn't be within the camp.

"Sometimes..." He starts, but doesn't really know how to continue. He felt a bit guilty, knowing that he probably should be with everyone else right now. But still, he had come here.

"Sometimes I like to come here to relax. After the stress of that fight, I wanted to come here to rest." He dips his head.

Raiyo nods, knowing all too well of the pressure that would have been placed on him as the leader during the fight as well.

"Say, while you're here, I have a question for you." Ralikai approaches Raiyo, coming closer to the lioness.

"We've spent a bit of time together now and since everything has settled down now... Will you stay with the Kinori Pride? Not as a normal hunter or fighter, but... As my queen?" Ralikai blushes a bit, feeling very nervous of the offer he had made. He knew it was selfish, to ask her to leave her people to join him. But he had grown rather fond of her and now was his last chance to ask.

"Raiyo was taken aback. She wasn't expecting such an offer from him. A queen? But she wasn't very good at ordering lions around, much less making decisions for others. But... She knew that she had really come to like the larger male. So perhaps with his guidance, it wouldn't be too difficult after all.

"I.. Accept your offer, my king." He happily purrs.

Ralikai tangles his tail with hers in delight.

Raiyo smiles. She nods to herself. This was the right choice to her. In accepting his offer, she had also come to realise that her choice was now definite. She would be choosing to stay with the pride and not with the sky city. And that was perfectly okay with her.

The two spend some time in the forest together as a couple, before heading back to announce the new partnership to the pride. Raiyo would be sure to inform her queen of the decision shortly after.

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A young male can be seen pacing along the cave walls, his shadow dark and looming against the pale light of the entrance.

Something was clearly troubling him, but a lot of his pridemates didn't seem to understand or get that. For someone of his stature to have cubs outside of his pride... It was unheard of and foolish. And yet... The intricately folded ears and the sleek and fluffy leopard-like tail of his son, were proof enough that the mother had not been anyone within the pride. He dipped his head in shame. Was this short love really worth the burden of his pridemate's judgement? For how long would this last? He sighed, unknowing of the answer.

"Lost in thought, are we?" Alarin whips his head around as a gentle laugh could be heard, echoing from the entrance of the small cave. Did anyone else even know of this place? He always came here to consult with the gods, but he didn't think anyone else knew. No matter, the pale lioness was waiting for his answer, holding her head up, almost expectantly.

"I... I just don't know what to do. My cubs were abandoned by their mother. She didn't want them... Or me. Everyone in the pride hates me for it now. But... I'm their father and I want to do right by them. I still want to raise them as much as I can. But, I'm just a bit scared of what others may think." Alarin confides in the slightly older female, hoping that maybe she could offer him some wisdom.

"Well, I do." A smirk appears on Coevi's lips as she nudges her head under his. "You know... Taking a mate within the pride might fix things a bit. Really show everyone that you're working on your... Mistake." She hisses out the last word, showing emphasis that she really didn't accept it either.

"And well, you know... I just so happen to be looking for a mate, one such as yourself. I don't mind helping you raise your little issues either." She purrs against him, voice full of something dark and alluring, yet an emotion that he couldn't quite recognize.

Alarin recoiled from her touch at first, a bit unsure of it. He had to really think this through. But with his 3 cubs, it might not be so bad for them to have a mother that would actually accept them, rather than someone who wanted to abandon them. The life of a single father would be a bit too hard for him and deep down he knew that. Perhaps Coevi's offer might work best for him after all? He liked her, but he felt a bit nervous. Was there something deeper at work here? He chose to dismiss the feeling for now. He nudged her back with his head, curling his body around hers. This signaled his acceptance of her proposal.

This... This is what he needed for the time being. He would raise his cubs with a willing mate and he would regain his reputation within the pride as a proper royal who was keen to work on his previous mistake.

He gave her a gentle lick on the forehead, before excusing himself from the cave and going to check on his cubs. He should really check to make sure they weren't doing anything to get themselves in any further trouble. Despite his bleak outlook at first, he felt more upbeat already. His new mate, Coevi, really did manage to cheer him up.

"And so, let the uprising begin." Coevi chuckled from behind, too faint for Alarin to hear.

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"YOU'RE NOTHING! YOU HEAR ME, YOU LITTLE RUNTS?" A loud voice could be heard across the cavern, the sound of it was near deafening. It was unusual for anyone in the pride to be yelling this loudly, especially within the camp.

Zylas wasn't sure what was going on, but he knew that it was the voice of the leader. Something must have really angered him for him to be yelling so loudly. He was about to make his way down to sort out the issue, when Drakala, one of his cubs, came racing up to him and burst into tears. This was when he knew it was about to get serious.

"Daddddd, Ralikai is yelling at us! Mokah stayed back to fight, you have to help him!" as soon as his daughter got the words out, a scowl came across his face, adrenaline pumping through him. He quickly scooped Drakala up, and raced across the clearing, towards the sound of the yell that he had previously heard.

When he got there, the whole pride had gathered. He had to push his way through to get a proper view. Mokah had his fur bristling and was spitting defiance, he was clearly in no mood to back down. Ralikai, on the other hand, had rage flaring from his eyes. That's when he raised a paw, about to strike the cub.

"RALIKAI, HE'S JUST A CUB, ENOUGH!" Zylas roared at him, blocking his strike. He had gone too far this time. Way too far. Even if it was the leader, Zylas was having none of it.

However, it was too late. Ralikai's paw still came down and struck his own advisor. Gasps could be heard from the crowd. "He was really going to strike a child? What next?" concern whispers started to fill the space. Kyra, Zylas's mate and mother to the two cubs, quickly gathered them up and hid the resulting wound from their gaze.

Ralikai's intense gaze connected with Zylas's. The two of them stared at each other in defiance, before Zylas let out a deep sigh. "You've really made a fool of yourself this time. This issue is getting out of hand, we need to talk." His voice was oddly soft, almost as though it was full of pity.

Ralikai could do nothing but nod. He hung his head, embarrassed. As the leader, he was meant to make an example for the rest of his pride. But what he had just done was near unforgivable. Worst of all, it was done in front of the whole pride. Everyone saw as he was about to bring his paw down on a mere cub.

Zylas looks around, trying to find two particular pelts.

"Maijo, Telrah, you're in charge for now. See to it that we get everything under control. I need to have a word with Ralikai about his actions." The other two give a silent nod, before slipping away to fulfil their new duties. They both get the crowd under control quickly, sorting out the set tasks for the day.

As the advisor of the pride, Zylas was allowed to take control of things. This was part of his duty, one that he was overjoyed to do.

"You, come with me." He points his tail towards Ralikai, who gives a quick nod of acceptance.

The two walk in silence for a long while, before Ralikai finally speaks up, breaking the silence.

"It's not fair, you know..." His voice was oddly full of sadness, a stark contrast to before.

"What isn't?" Zylas enquires, his head tilted with curiosity. He was curious to see what had troubled his old friend so much.

"Kyra moved on so quickly, why can't I?" His eyes dropped to his paws. He knows that he's saying this to her current mate, but he was the one being affected and on top of that, he was the second in charge of the pride. He was also his best friend. He had a right to know.

"Is this what this whole thing has been about? You've been acting hostile towards my cubs ever since they were born because you're mad at Kyra for moving on? You do realise that you were the one to break it off with her, right?" A sliver of anger slips into his voice, but he takes a deep breath to calm down, realising that now is not the time for any further hostility.

"Well... Yes." The response came back in a soft whisper. He was now just realising how harsh he had been on the small cubs, and the new family. To his best friend, even.

"Hey, you need to move on and accept that she has a new family now. We're happy. You'll find someone too, I'm sure of it, just you wait. So, do you think you could let it go? If not for her, then for your best friend? Those cubs haven't done anything wrong. So please, be a little nicer to them." He asks his leader gently, trying to resolve this prolonged issue.

"Alright, I will. Thank you for the talk. I think... Maybe we should grab the rest of your family so that we can fully resolve this, hmm?" Ralikai gives a gentle smile, seeming more like the calm and composed leader that he should be.

Zylas gives a firm nod and the two slowly walk back together, giving playful swats at each other. Sometimes, it was hard to still be playful with a friend when you're both in a higher up position, but the two have always managed to make it work.

Upon their return, the pride eyes the two up curiously. Seeing that they're both in a much better mood seems to put most at ease.

"Kyra, we need to talk to you. Please bring your family too." For the first time in a while, Ralikai's voice was gentle on his former mate, rather than the harshened tone that became the standard since they broke it off.

Kyra gives a curious look towards Zylas, before stepping forward with the two.

Hazmir gives everyone a hesitant look from behind them, unsure if he should also come or not. Being the son of Ralikai and Kyra put him in an odd spot in this circumstance. Seeing and recognizing this, Ralikai addresses him. "You too."

The group heads into Ralikai's den, so that they can talk out of the way of prying eyes. Once there, Ralikai clears his throat.

"It's hard for me to say this, but a good friend made me realise the error of my ways." He gives a quick glance towards Zylas and they smile at each other.

"So, Kyra." He turns towards the lioness. He gives her a kind smile, making sure to not be hostile this time. This time, he wanted to do things the right way. He was in the wrong for the way he acted and he had finally come to accept this.

"I apologize for the hostility that I've shown towards you and your family. It wasn't right of me." He bows his head.

Kyra hesitantly speaks up. "I understand that it may have been hard on you to watch my family grow. But I appreciate that you still accept us within your pride." She also gives a bow. The two cubs hide behind their mother's legs, still unsure of the scary lion that yelled at them.

"And you two." Ralikai swipes his tail towards the cubs. He squats down so that he reaches their level, trying to not seem threatening them. "I'm sorry that I've acted angry towards you. I promise to be nicer from now on." Drakala gives a brief nod, a bit reassured. Mokah sticks out his tongue at first, which results in a stern look from his father. He eventually gives a nod of acceptance.

Kyra takes a step forward. "While we're all here, Ralikai, I would like for you to review Hazmir's position once again. I know it's a big ask, but... You know as well as I do that he doesn't want to be heir." She nods towards her eldest son, who had been watching everything happen in silence until now.

Ralikai sighs, a bout of anger starts to boil within him, but he knows it would only make the situation worse and rather redundant if he let it show.

"Is this true, Hazmir? Would you really rather another position within the pride instead?" He tilts his head, curiously. This was the first time that he had truly listened to the needs of the young adult, instead of dismissed them in turn for his own.

"Father, I told you from the beginning that this is not what I wanted, yet you pushed your own beliefs onto me. I'm sorry but... I would much rather be a cave guard. In that way, I can make sure that everyone is safe." He dips his head to the older male, looking rather embarrassed and scared for a response. So far, he had always reacted with hostility.

Ralikai looked deep in thought, trying to consider his options. Was it really okay to leave the pride without an heir? It would go against everything he had been taught. But if not Hazmir, then who?

"If... If I may be so bold, my own son, Alarin, has said many times that he would be honoured to take up the position for my sake. I would ask to make sure first, but, he's another possibility who also possesses royal blood." The young male goes back to looking at his own feet. It had taken a lot to get the offer out, but he hoped that it would be considered. He already knew that Alarin would be a perfectly capable match for the role and he would never question his own son's abilities.

"Alarin..." Ralikai repeats the name.

Yes, that young, capable kid who always seems calm and collected. Pressure rarely ever seems to get to him. Ralikai was sure that the power from the position wouldn't go to his head either. He gives a nod. It would seem that he has found a worthy heir after all.

"Bring me Alarin, I wish to talk to him about this." His eyes were sparkling with hope. Hazmir could see this and in turn, he reacted with excitement. "Alright, I'll go grab him!" He dashes out of the den in search of his son.

After a few minutes, Hazmir returns with Alarin following. The two of them look rather hopeful.

Ralikai dips his head towards Alarin.

"Is it true that you wish to be heir instead of Hazmir?" He questions the young adult.

"It's true. I've always seen how it affects my father and if I'm quite honest, it doesn't suit him. It's a burden that I would gladly take on for him. I also believe that I am capable of handling such pressures." His tone was quite serious and as he said all of this, he was staring Ralikai straight in the eyes. This was enough to reassure him of the young male.

"Alright, it will be arranged that you shall be heir instead and Hazmir shall be transferred to cave guard. Please note though, Hazmir, you are of royal blood and you are still welcome within the royal council." He dips his head to both of the males.

"It would appear as though everything is now settled, unless anyone has anything else that they wish to settle?" He looks around the rather crowded room for a response, but everyone just shook their heads.

"Alright, it would appear that I have a few announcements to make. Zylas, Alarin and Hazmir would you mind meeting me on top of the announcement platform? Everyone else, you are dismissed." He gives a nod to everyone and they each respectively make their way to the announcements.

"Gather around, Kinori Pride!" Ralikai cries from the rock, making sure that everyone can hear him. Once they had gathered, he continued. "First, I would like to apologize for my earlier display. Zylas and I have since talked it over and we have come to an understanding. I can promise you all that nothing like this will happen again." He gives a brief nod to Zylas, signaling their agreeance. Zylas gives a nod.

"And second, it would be a great honour to announce that Hazmir will be stepping down from his position as Heir and will instead, become a new cave guard." He nods to Hazmir, who gives a hearty smile. Cheers could be heard from around the pride. Everyone had known that Hazmir wanted this for a long time, so they were all happy for him.

"And, I would like to announce that Alarin will be the new heir instead!" Alarin steps forward and gives out a deep roar in celebration, everyone else follows this.

The night was spent celebrating the family and the many successes that they shared that night. Finally, grudges were broken down and instead, family bonds were healed and friendships were mended to become even stronger than before. The Kinori Pride stood for peace and for family and with this, they grew one step closer to perfecting their goal of such things.

[WolfstormSC]

"Do you think that'll be enough for today?" A small echo could be heard from a nearby cave, as two lions were discussing. A huntress and soldier were discussing supplies for the pride, seeing if they had enough for the hardship of winter that laid ahead. Food would be hard to get during this time and it was always good for them to be fully prepared for this. Healing supplies were also in short supply, which wasn't too comforting for the two either.

"It should be. I'll gather some more tomorrow, just to be sure." The male nodded at the offer made from the lioness. They knew they'd be able to get enough for everyone, it would just be a tedious mission for the two. Everyone else was busy with other preparations, so that meant that the two were stuck checking in on the stock and gathering necessary things that may be missing.

They wandered out of the cave and went to their individual dens to rest for the day ahead.

Once the new dawn had approached, they were all up and ready.

"You ready, Cyvian?" The female inquired, tilting her head. The male gave a small nod in response, before setting out to work.

Coevi worked on gathering herbs and food, while Cyvian's main goal was heating supplies and equipment for the soldiers. As head soldier, he had to make sure that he was looking out for his troops.

After a while, the two met up again, gaze locked.
"Hey, I bet I can gather more than you." A playful wager was proposed by Coevi. Cyvian gave a small grin, eager to accept. The two had always loved being competitive with one another and now seemed like a great time while also looking out for everyone else.

And so, their competition ensued.

Coevi went out to the open grasslands, hoping to spot herbs and prey easily, while Cyvian went out to the forests, hoping that he would find sufficient bedding and training supplies that way.

After a long while, they meet back up at the camp.

"Looks like I win!" Coevi's eyes set ablaze, she roars a triumphant victory. Cyvian scowls, then decides to pounce. The two have a playful tussle, not willing to give up and admit defeat.

Suddenly, Cyvian stops.

"You know, you've come a long way. You're doing much better than you once were" he dipped his head, giving her head a small lick.

Coevi had originally only wanted power and had done everything within her grasp to obtain it. But now that cyvian was around, all she seemed to want was him. Power was no longer something that she wanted to work towards obtaining.

Coevi blushes, not used to the praise or affection that he was now showing.

"Well, you know... You're not too bad yourself." Heat rose to her cheeks as she stuttered, though she didn't shove him away.

His body curled around hers until the new dawn, where they once again set out to work.

[WolfstormSC]

"Hey, wait up!" A cry can be heard from behind the black and white lioness, as a red figure runs to catch up. The two had been chasing each other for some time now, determined to catch or outrun the other.

But instead of waiting, the darker shadow runs even faster. The two run after each other through the meadow, the once gentle breeze now whipping at their pelts. They rushed to see who was the faster of the two.

Haru looks over her shoulder, only to be met by the icy gaze of her follower. A shiver runs down her spine as she looks away. That was the gaze she knew all too well. One full of confidence, but also full of determination. She needed to outrun them, whatever the cost. She couldn't afford to let them catch up to her, or it would be game over for the young lioness.

Suddenly, without warning, she crashes to the ground. Something had pounced and was holding her down. She tried to look around and caught a slight glace of the red coat of her captor.

"Looks like I win this time!" A gentle purr ruffles the fur of her ear. Telrah had almost always won their mock hunts, perhaps it was because she was the lead hunter and had much more experience in the field, but still. This wasn't fair to Haru. Couldn't she at least have a single win?

"That's not fair, you always win!" Haru pouts, refusing to believe that she had lost yet again.

"Come on, ya grump. Admit that I won." Telrah giggles at her pridemate's stubbornness. She found it cute in a way. She smiled at the pile of fur beneath her, who was slowly going red. Was that... A blush? Telrah's grin grew wider, but she kept quiet about it.

The leader let her friend escape her grasp and instead, gently helped her up. The way that she brought her to the ground was rather harsh, after all. After observing for any injuries, she seemed that Haru was healthy and ready to continue her training.

The two stopped for a while to admire the view of the location. They didn't realise it because they were so focused on the chase, but they had gone right down to the lake. They sat next to each other in silence.

"This lake is beautiful." Haru gasps in awe.

"Just like you." Telrah purrs back.

Haru lets out an even bigger gasp, surprised at what Telrah had just said. Heat in her cheeks started to rise once again.

"You know, you're even more beautiful when you blush too." She teased the lioness, a playful smirk on her face.

Haru pounced in response.

"You know what? This time I'm winning." She gently nudged Telrah.

As it turns out, the pounce had just been an excuse to get closer to her, but she would never have admitted such a thing. The two spent the rest of the day play fighting by the lake until they had to return from their training.

Next time, Haru would win for sure.