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Stats-71
5/29/2018 - (A memory)
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She had never spoken to her King much. She followed his orders and he provided the territory and protection she so desperately needed. She watched the lionesses around her; few ever had cubs, and never with Brokenfang. As such, when her King asked her to give him an heir, she was shocked. After calming down, she obliged, and bore him two cubs. She named the little boy Nightwing for his dark marks and the little girl Sapphire after her own eyes. News of their birth spread quickly through the pride, and when Brokenfang returned from his exploration, he went to visit them immediately. Snowfoot saw something she had never seen before - her king smiled at the cubs. "A boy and a girl...they are perfect. They look so much like you, which makes them beautiful. What are their names?"
Blushing, and caught off guard by the unexpected compliment, she missed the question. Before the king could ask again, Roseclaw saved her friend from embarrassment. "Your son is Nightwing, and your daughter, Sapphire." She bowed her head slightly in respect as she spoke to her king. She was the only other lioness in the small den, and wondered if she would be reprimanded for intruding on such a private moment. Her king's answer caught her by surprise.
"There's no need for such formalities here, Roseclaw." Brokenfang chuckled. Turning his attention to his cubs, he smiled again. "You picked such lovely names for them, Snowfoot. And Nightwing..." He stared at the little cub, peacefully sleeping against Snowfoot's warm stomach. "He is absolutely perfect. Thank you, Snowfoot, for honoring me with such a magnificent heir."
She blushed again, and Roseclaw struggled to hide her giggles. "The honor is all mine, Brokenfang." Snowfoot replied. She watched her cubs carefully, yawning all the while.
Brokenfang saw the tired look in her eyes. "You need your rest, Snowfoot. Please, sleep. I'll watch the cubs for you," he offered. He layed down beside her, curling his tail around the cubs, pulling the delicate creatures close.
Roseclaw couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Brokenfang, it's quite alright. You are far too busy for this. I just woke up shortly; I'll watch them."
"Don't worry about it, Roseclaw. The other lionesses need you - go lead the hunt. It's my pleasure to watch these three." Brokenfang said. His voice held a tone his pride had never heard before; was it love?
Roseclaw took his words as an order, and reluctantly followed them. "I'll hurry back, then." She trotted off to join the lionesses that were impatiently waiting for her.
Brokenfang nodded to the exhausted Snowfoot, and she fell asleep against him. When she awoke, he smiled at her, before leaving to return to his duties without another word.
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She never saw such a side from him again, and no other lioness did either. She wondered if she made it up, but Roseclaw remembered the moment, too. Love and kindness did exist in her King's heart. She just wished she could prove to her desperate cubs that their father really did love them.
6/13/2018 - She lied.
Her King lay on his death bed, his breathing shallow. It was all so sudden; no one had anticipated the healthy King to die so young. The Pride was in panic. Sapphire and Straye were desperately searching for Nightwing, already having said their quick goodbyes to their King. The lionesses were conflicted, filled with fear, worry, confusion, and some even hope. No one entered the King's cave.
Snowfoot was the only one with him, snuggled against him. He was growing colder by the minute, death gripping him with no intent of ever letting go.It was quite clear he wouldn't make it.
"Snowfoot, my dear?" He asked, voice quivering.
"Yes, my King?" She replied.
"Please, no formalities..not now." His voice was pained and tired. "You were my equal, forever and always. My Queen in every sense of the word."
She looked at him, eyes wide with shock. "Brokenfang..."
"I love you. I hope you know that, despite my actions," he added.
She nodded, tears in her eyes. "I knew. I always knew, Brokenfang."
He smiled. "Then I can be at peace, knowing all is well. Be sure Nightwing knows I'm sorry for this," he added, closing his eyes.
She could feel his breathing slow, then halt. He was gone, so quietly and peacefully gone. And she was alone, holding her cold mate in her paws.
Nightwing returned then. Snowfoot told him it was his time.
She'd have to find time for the apologies later.
6/25/2018 - She was 9 years old, now.
She hadn't expected to live to see her son take the throne. He was so young, so scared that day. How things had changed.
He stood with a shy smile, yes, but his posture was regal, and his gaze was unwavering. She'd never expected to see her shy boy take charge like that. And to see her daughter standing beside him, ruling beside him.
Why, she couldn't be more proud.
It hadn't been easy for him to take the throne, and she knew it. But he'd done what he had to do, and done it beautifully. Her son was the King this Pride had always so desperately needed, and she smiled at the thought.
She missed Brokenfang greatly. She really did. But it was hard to be sad, seeing how much life had improved in the Pride. Nightwing balanced a lot. He explored and battled, growing stronger and stronger each day. But he still managed to find time for his Pride, spending hours with them and making sure to speak to each and every Pride member individually. He was so devoted to his Pride indeed.
He was the King his father never was, and Snowfoot smiled at the thought.
'Brokenfang would be proud of you, dear. But I wonder if you'd really care.'
5/28/2019 - You got stung by a wasp in your last territory patrol, but luckily Snowfoot was around to gently lick the wound. You feel better after her gentle tending.
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