Sapphire

11/19/2017 - Sapphire rubs cheeks with you, then rubs her body against yours. You shiver slightly as her tail tip brushes your back.
11/22/2017 - Sapphire woke you up this morning by flopping onto your side and licking your ear. Hard to be grumpy about that!
5/29/2018 - Sapphire sighed. She couldn't help but feel lonely. Her father was absent in her life; she had only spoken to him a few times. Even then, she spoke to him as a lioness to her King; never did they have a father-daughter relationship. She had tried several times in the past, but usually only got a few words or an approving lick in response. Nothing of the substance necessary to spark a relationship.
Her brother was destined to become King, and he spent all his time patrolling or with Straye. The two played together, ate together, tussled together, spoke together - just like brothers. She couldn't help but envy the male slightly for effectively stealing her brother as his own. She often watched the two with a special kind of longing, wishing for the brother she had lost.
She found her solace in her mother, Snowfoot. Snowfoot often reminded her daughter that this was a difficult time for Nightwing; he needed Straye in his life just as desperately as she needed him. Straye was the closest thing Nightwing had to a king, and he needed any experience or help he could get. Snowfoot never bothered to make excuses for Brokenfang, however; no attempt she had made could convince her daughter otherwise.
Sapphire always considered her mother's words thoughtfully. Maybe one day, her brother would feel secure in his training and begin to relax. Maybe then, he would spend time with her. She always smiled at this thought. She was patient - if it took a few years for her to get her brother back, then she was alright with it. But as she watched the two males eating together and laughing, she wondered if she really had a chance.
6/1/2018 - She wasn't sure what to do.
She didn't sleep well last night. How could she? Her brother's words echoed through her mind all night.
The other lionesses took notice. She was off her game. A ginger lioness around her own age approached her.
"Are you alright Sapphire? You certainly aren't yourself today!" The lioness asked.
"Ah, I'm quite alright, Daisy. Thank you." She replied. "I just didn't sleep well, is all, and I'm a bit tired today."
"You should get some rest," the Intrepid girl suggested. "It's a lazy day anyway. Just one party training the adolescents."
"Thanks, Daisy. I think I will. Excuse me," she nodded, and left to find a quiet spot away from the pride.
She settled on the spot she had seen Nightwing last night, and began to think. She was happy to speak to her brother again. She understood why they hadn't talked sooner. Her mother was right. Nightwing looked so lost, almost broken. He certainly was experiencing his own struggles. Yet, even so, he had saved a spot for his sister all this time...she wondered why. She wondered if she should've approached him sooner. She pondered why he saved her a position as an advisor. Did he really want her to come on the next visit to the Sun Pride's territory? She had never left her own home before, only travelling far enough to hunt. She couldn't even imagine what the world outside the Moonlit Pride's jungle was like. How did a pride even survive out in the openness of a watering hole? Did they have dens to hide in, or were they comfortable enough to trust one another with their lives?
As she was left pondering, she saw Brokenfang returning to camp. He had stopped to speak with Straye and Nightwing. 'So they hadn't left yet?' She was surprised by this.
She watched them curiously. Brokenfang began to walk away, but Nightwing and Straye did not continue. After a moment, she noticed her father was walking in her direction!
"Sapphire!" Brokenfang called. He couldn't see her through the bushes.
She quickly walked up to him. "Yes, my King?" She asked, bowing slightly.
"It was requested that you join the trip to the Sun Pride. It will be an excellent opportunity for you; they have some incredible huntresses who could surely offer wise advice for a growing huntress such as yourself. Please, join Nightwing and Straye. It has already been cleared with Masked Fate." Without another word, Brokenfang continued his path towards the pridelands. Sapphire trotted up to her brother and his friend.
"The name's Straye. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Sapphire." The Confident obsidian lion introduced himself. His mane was the color of flames, as if he himself were Blazing.
"And since when are you this polite, hm?" Nightwing teased.
"She's a Princess, isn't she? She deserves it!" Straye chuckled. "Nightwing's said a lot of good things about you over the months that I've known him. I'm glad we'll be working together."
Sapphire blushed slightly. How much did Nightwing tell the cheetah spotted boy? "It's nice to meet you, too. I hope we'll get along well."
Nightwing smiled. "My two favorite lions by my side...this may not be so bad after all."
"Oh, save the sappy stuff - we're wasting daylight!" Straye turned his attention to Sapphire. "It'll take a few hours to make it there. We'll be staying with them overnight, and maybe the next day too."
"We'll really be gone that long?" Sapphire asked, slightly shocked.
"We will. I hope it won't bother you too much; when I'm king, you and Straye will have to make these longer trips by yourselves more often than not, seeing as I can't leave the Pride for too long." Nightwing answered.
"Less talk, more walk!" Straye instructed, trotting forward. Nightwing just laughed and motioned for his sister to join him before taking the spot to her right.
With a male on each side, they began their journey. She feared what lied ahead, but she had never felt this excited in her life.
6/11/2018 - Sapphire watched as her pridemates chattered endlessly with Masked Fate and Snow. The boys she had come with were asking all sorts of questions. How can I be a great king? How do you keep your pride engaged? What do you do to protect your borders? How do you pick the proper Queen? Even though most of these questions only applied to Nightwing, Straye was just as interested in the ruling pair's answers. This left Kovu and Sapphire watching silently, listening as the others talked.
She shivered slightly, still freezing cold after the downpour they had walked through to get here. This wet season was brutal. She wondered how they managed at the watering hole, constantly threatened by floods. Kovu interrupted her thoughts, laying beside her. "You seem to be freezing." He stated plainly.
She blushed slightly at his closeness. He had been in the rain helping the huntresses move the prey, but something about his coat had almost repelled the water. Granted, he was still wet, but still far dryer and warmer than she was, save for his pitifully soaked mane. Guess the hydrophobic genes missed it.
Snow saw the two and smiled softly. Sapphire hid her face in her paws, while Kovu didn't react at all. He hid his emotions well. 'That could serve as a blessing or a curse, depending on how he plays his cards,' she mused.
She did appreciate the warmth of his body, and cuddled much closer to the Sun Prince. He curled his tail around her in response.
It seemed her visits to the Sun Pride got better each time.
6/12/2018 - Your lion flaps and shakes, feeling all weird and naked! (Removed Brown Mask :D)
6/12/2018 - "Sapphire? Do you have a moment?"
The Prince's voice was soft as he called out to her. He stood outside her den, a playful but nervous expression on his face.
Curious as to what he wanted, Sapphire padded up to him. "What's up, Nightwing?"
He grinned as soon as she came near. Straye was beside him, as well as Kovu. Sapphire took a step back towards her bed. "Why are so many people here? And Kovu too? We were just there before the floods ended!" She was blushing, embarrassed by all the eyes on her. 'How will I ever manage as a royal advisor?'
"We have a surprise for you, Sapph!" Nightwing replied cheerfully. He seemed so much more excitable than usual.
She groaned. "Why do I have a feeling I'll regret coming with you all?"
"Aww, don't be that way Sapphire! You trust me, don't you?" Straye flashed the girl a cocky grin.
"Considering the mischief I've seen you cause, I'm sure she doesn't." Kovu shot Straye a playful look, which he frowned at. Kovu returned his attention to the lioness. "But I can assure you that this surprise is pleasant, Sapphire."
She looked at them all for a moment. Her brother was generally mature, and Kovu was certainly trustworthy. Even Straye didn't seem too annoying today. "Alright..." she sighed reluctantly.
All three boys smiled at her and led her back to Nightwing's den. As soon as she entered, she gasped.
"What is that?" She asked in awe, staring at the beautiful blue flowers.
"It's for you," Kovu replied.
"Yeah, Nightwing thought you deserved something nice, so we got you some stuff," Straye replied nonchalantly.
"It's a mixture of a thank you for being a wonderful advisor, sorry for being a sucky brother, and a gift from our allies all in one," Nightwing told her sheepishly. "I'm especially sorry about being a horrible brother."
She gave her brother a light smack on the nose. "You big dork. You weren't a horrible brother, not now or ever. I missed you, but you came back. That's what matters, isn't it?" She smiled gently at him, before pulling him into a hug of sorts.
"Thank you," he whispered.
"Sappy stuff later - try it on!!" Straye interrupted, practically pushing the two apart.
"Alright, alright!" Sapphire giggled. Nightwing and Kovu worked together to drape her in the delicate ornaments.
She admired her reflection in a puddle, one of the last traces of the wet season. "They match my eyes wonderfully," she breathed.
"You can thank me for that - Nightwing's got no taste color wise!" Straye huffed.
"Well, at least Nightwing picked out something she'd actually like. Your ideas were rough," Kovu added.
Sapphire just looked at the lions and laughed. She loved her royal goofballs.
6/13/2018 - Sapphire and Straye were lying together, discussing important points for their next meeting over lunch as they awaited Nightwing's patrol. They were interrupted by a frantic lioness. "Brokenfang is dying!" She cried before running off to spread the news.
Sapphire's eyes were wide with shock for only a moment. Straye placed a paw on hers, and she quickly pulled away. "Let's go," she growled. He silently followed.
Her eyes were cold as she entered his den to say farewell. Brokenfang said he loved her. She couldn't bring herself to tell the truth to her father, not now.
"I love you too, father. We will find Nightwing for you." Her voice was cold, even, emotionless. Snowfoot and Brokenfang didn't realize that, but Straye did.
"Sapphire, are you alright?" He asked, his voice much softer and kinder than usual as they left the cave.
"I'm fine!" She snapped back, her tail lashing. Composing herself, she continued, her voice softening. "Let's just find Nightwing before it's too late, alright?"
He nodded and followed her, not wanting to upset her any more.
They didn't find Nightwing in time, and he returned to find his father dead. Sapphire could see the pain in her brother's eyes and wished he didn't feel it. They addressed their pride briefly before immediately returning to their den in silence.
As she heard her brother cry that night, she wondered why she couldn't feel anything at all.
6/20/2018 - 'This is the life of royalty...'
Sapphire was padding around the camp, visiting the newest cubs of the Pride. Her hunting party had been working exceptionally hard, and was now resting as a reward. The cubs were bouncing and scrambling around her feet, and tired mothers and broodmothers alike thanked her for her sacrifice. She only laughed in response.
"Sapphire! Sapphire!" One bouncy cub called, eyes shining in excitement.
"Yes, little one?" She replied, her voice soft.
"What's it like being a Princess?" The cub asked.
Sapphire was slightly shocked. "A Princess?" She gasped.
The cub gave her a confused look. "Look at you! All dressed in flowers, and you live with the King! You're in charge, too! That makes you a Princess!"
She thought back to when she'd first met Straye; he'd called her a princess, too. It was a lovely title to have, but did it really fit a lioness such as herself?
Still, she wasn't one to crush a cub's dreams. "It's really nice to be a Princess," she started. The cubs gathered around, watching her with wide eyes and perky ears. She told stories of exploring far away lands, meeting foreign kings, and still fulfilling her daily pride duties. The cubs loved it, and were ready for their naps by the end of it.
Grateful mothers scooped up their cubs, impressed by Sapphire's skills. Her thoughts were elsewhere.
'A Moonlit Princess...'
She smiled at the thought. Maybe she hadn't been much in her father's eyes, but that didn't matter now. These cubs saw her as a Princess, and she was proud of it.
6/25/2018 - A lot of things had changed since her father's death.
She'd begun to lead a Pride alongside her brother and Straye. She began to focus on diplomatic matters, how to do this and how to prevent that. She saw her Pridemates smile.
Her brother had changed. He still had that shy smile, but there was something else behind his blue eyes. He worried more, about his pride, about her. He was certainly more focused than ever, more patient than ever. He carried himself differently, a regal air with a dash of confidence.
Straye had changed. Sure, he was still cocky and arrogant, and always wore a playful smirk. But he was more thoughtful, more careful on his patrols. He had seemingly matured, at least for the public eye. He was more cautious with his words, maybe even a tad bit more reserved.
Had she changed, too?
She certainly felt she had. She'd stopped running, if only for a second. From responsibility, from her fears. She took her role seriously. She'd developed a sense of adventure, a bit of a fearless nature. She had stepped forward, and pushed her past behind her. It didn't matter so much anymore.
She took some pride in herself and her accomplishments - something she hadn't always done. She'd certainly grown a lot.
They all had, hadn't they?
It hit her all at once; they weren't tussling cubs anymore, nomming on their mother's paws for more attention. They weren't rambunctious adolescents training hard alongside mentors. They weren't young adults, dreaming of a far-away future of royalty and fame.
They were young, powerful lions with a mission. They were devoted, focused individuals united by love not only for each other, but for something so much bigger.
They were leaders of a Pride.
They'd been leading for months now, but this finally sunk in. She sighed. How had things changed so much so fast?Where had the time gone?
She laughed slightly, remembering her cubhood. Little Nightwing, eyes wide with pride as Snowfoot called him her "little prince."
"You'll be the King, one day, my son," she'd said, smiling. He'd been so proud of that as cub.
"We'll rule together, Sapphire - we'll be the best Kings ever!" He'd promised her with cubhood naivety. She'd giggled at that, knowing full well girls were Queens, not Kings.
She'd never believed him, and he hadn't mentioned it again.
Not until that night under the stars. All traces of cubhood naivety were gone now, though. He was serious. He always had been.
She smiled at the thought. "We make some pretty great kings, don't we, Night?" She said absentmindedly.
"Absolutely," her brother replied. "Without a doubt."
6/26/2018 - 5 years!
6/28/2018 - As you approach to bump her forehead, Sapphire grabs your head and starts licking your snout softly. (She's honestly too pure omg)
7/2/2018 - Nightwing was a father now, and Sapphire was an aunt.
It was fun, really. She loved cubs, and didn't have any of her own, so playing with her brother's was nice. He'd been spending a lot of his freetime in the mothering den, tussling with his cubs and telling stories. He knew he hadn't sired some, but loved each and every one regardless. Their blood didn't matter, not now.
Sapphire joined him on these visits, as did Straye. The Obsidian male wasn't great with cubs, but they loved his patrolling stories. Sapphire laughed as Straye yelped in surprise, a small cub climbing up his leg.
It was funny, really. She'd never had a father figure, and now these cubs, her nieces, had two. She smiled.
Those boys, different as they were, did make great dads. It was almost ironic, considering they'd lacked that role for much of their lives. But they filled it so easily, and that warmed her heart.
A quieter, shyer cub approached her. She smiled at her. "Hello, Calibri."
"Hi, Sapphire!"
Her brother was excited when Calibri was born. She had the same Eggshell base as Sapphire, and it made him smile.
Sapphire quite liked the cub for her own reasons. She was a calm, modest girl. She was level headed and strived to keep the other cubs out of trouble. In many ways, she saw herself in the cub.
Sapphire held Calibri close, just as she usually did while the boys played with the rowdier cubs. She'd never expected ruling life to be like this, but she certainly wasn't complaining.
7/10/2018 - Sapphire was falling.
Not down after losing a tussle with Nightwing, or out after another of Straye's annoyances. No, she was falling in something - love.
Since they were ruling now, and couldn't always be away from their own Pride, the Sun Pride's royals had been visiting more and more. Sometimes Princess Fawn came. She was a quiet, gentle soul, and Sapphire certainly enjoyed her company. Other times, she'd meet Princess Winter, a playful and emotional girl. She was quite interesting indeed.
But she'd always see Kovu.
He was the Sunlit Prince, the crown heir of the Sun Pride. But he slowly grew to be so much more than that to Sapphire.
He was the warmth on cold, rain-soaked nights. He was the gentle laugh that made her smile. The soft embrace that melted her heart.
The Sun to her Moon.
Indeed, she was falling for Kovu. She'd grown to know him as so much more than the thoughtful loner Prince many saw him as. She'd seen the special side of him that he usually hid away and she loved it. He was playful, with quick wits and an even quicker tongue. He always guided Nightwing with carefully chosen advice and helped to keep Straye in his place. He could be very serious when the situation called for it, and was quite protective of those close to him.
He was a mature, stoic Prince with a loving, playful spirit.
Yes, Sapphire was falling hard.
Her blush was pinker than her cheeks when she was around him. They'd been spending more and more time together, just the two of them. After all, Sapphire was in charge of inter-pride relations, and Kovu was their ally's next King. So it was normal, even expected to find the two sharing a meal under the stars or chatting long into the night.
"Sapphire, what is it like to rule as three?"
Kovu's voice was soft and thoughtful.
"Amazing," she breathed. "It lessens everyone's burdens while also strengthening the Pride, due to diversity among the leaders' views. It's truly in every lion's benefit, if you have the right trio. Although, the Moonlit Pride never did follow normal standards, so I can't really say whether it is better or worse than a King and Queen ruling. But it is certainly better than a lone king." She stressed the last part, remembering her father's reign.
Kovu listened carefully and nodded when she finished. He closed his eyes for a moment, considering what she said before he continued.
"Do you think a King needs a Queen?"
It was Sapphire's turn to think. "Well, it depends on your definition of 'Queen'. When defined as the King's female mate and partner, then no. Not every King falls in love with a lioness, or even at all. And heirs come from many places, after all. But when defined as a female who rules by his side, it's certainly beneficial. By that definition, I'm Night's Queen, and I'd say he needs me. And it's good to have differing perspectives, but I suppose a King could also just rule alongside another male or two, though he'd be missing a female's perspective."
Kovu had never thought of it like that. Perhaps all the stress he'd felt over finding the perfect Queen was unfounded after all. He sighed, resting his head on Sapphire's back.
"You don't know how happy I am to hear that," he said, his words slightly muffled by eggshell fur.
She was blushing now, and quite grateful he couldn't see her face.
"You sound relieved indeed," she laughed.
He chuckled. "I really am. I have yet to find my Queen, and I could be kinged any day now. Your words have certainly lifted a weight from my shoulders."
"Really? The charming Prince hasn't found his Princess?" Sapphire teased, though she was genuinely surprised. She'd always assumed he had someone in mind, even if he hadn't made it official yet.
"I just haven't met the one," he sighed, snuggling deeper into her fur.
"You will," Sapphire said quietly. "And if you don't, that's alright too. It's certainly not a requirement."
"Nightwing was right," Kovu yawned. "You really do always know what to say."
"I try," she smiled. "C'mon. You're tired. Let's head back and get some rest."
"I suppose," Kovu laughed. "Though I would've been fine staying like this."
Before Sapphire could even react, Kovu was already up and walking towards the Pridelands and the Royal's Den. She shook the thought away and followed behind him.
Nightwing and Straye were already asleep, nests close together. They'd obviously fallen asleep talking again, snuggled close.
"Guess we kept them waiting too long," Kovu chuckled.
"I guess so. They did have a long day," Sapphire replied, cuddling down into her nest.
Kovu plopped down beside her, resting his head on her back once more. "Goodnight, Sapphire."
She smiled. She loved his warmth. "Nighty night, Kovu."
"Sweet dreams."
10/12/2019 - As you approach to bump her forehead, Sapphire grabs your head and starts licking your snout softly.
10/13/2019 - 8 years old! <3
9/19/2022 - She was surprised his warmth was still there when she awoke.
The Sun Pride had become her second home in these past few months. Kings are busy creatures - especially when they first take the throne. So it was easy to convince her brother that it was better to visit Kovu rather than ask him over, and even easier to get his permission to go alone when he didn't have the time.
She told herself her intentions were good. It really was more convenient for both prides this way - that was indisputable. And the Moonlit Pride was fine without her - Nightwing and Straye were more than capable of handling leadership, and there were countless huntresses eager to test their claws each and every day. That wasn't to say her pride didn't need her - she never doubted her importance for a second - but she simply had better uses. Those uses being visiting Kovu, discussing interpride relations, filling each other in on important developments, and - last night - warming his nest.
She knew they were close. And she knew that she'd developed a little crush on him when they'd first met, and that it had grown to much, much more than that over the course of their time together. What she hadn't known was that he'd felt the same way. He was just as grateful for her solo visits as she was, and they relished them.
So when she was invited to stay the night, she questioned it for only a moment. The weather was perfect. There was no need to stay.
But things were different that night, and she did stay.
Usually she woke up alone, as he got up early to attend to his kingly duties.
But today, she awoke to his warmth. He smiled at her. His voice was so soft as he spoke to her, asked her how she'd slept and how she was feeling. They had breakfast together, snuggled up in his den, and talked for hours.
It was dark by the time she returned to her own pride.
"Where have you been?!" Straye whispered, clearly agitated. "You've had Nightwing worried SICK. He wanted to send a search party after you! A search party!!"
"I-"
"Listen, I know you're a capable lioness. And Nightwing does too, deep down. But you're also his sister. And a Moonlit Royal. You can't just go on extended adventures on your own!"
"I know, but-"
"He thought he lost you, y'know? You've never been gone this long. Even in a storm. I kept telling him you're fine, the Sun Pride has you, you're safe, but he wouldn't hear it. I-"
"I KNOW, Straye. I'm well aware I was out later than intended. I'll talk to Nightwing about it tomorrow, so you can just drop it, yeah?"
He stared at her, tail lashing. "Do you even care?"
"Sure, but he's overreacting. I'm not a cub, Straye."
He didn't say anything else. Instead, he slinked back into the cave, curling protectively around his King.
She spent the night with the huntresses after that.
9/21/2022 - Sapphire wasn't scared.
Honestly, that worried her. Shouldn't she be scared? She had to tell him she was pregnant, and she had to carry a cub, and she had to become a mother and make sure her cub had a better life than she'd had.
And yet, she couldn't bring herself to be scared. She was happy. Excited, even.
Kovu took the news well, it seemed, and joined in on her excitement. She visited him as often as she could while she could, and when she couldn't, he came to visit her. It was far less often than they were used to seeing each other, of course. And something about them seeing each other less while she was pregnant, despite it being a product of logistics, hurt her. But what was there to do? She was a Moonlit Royal and he was the Sun King - they knew very well what they were getting into to. She blamed her hormones for making her forget that.
None of that mattered at all when she saw their daughter - she was the most perfect thing she'd ever seen. If Nightwing's cubs had made her sob, then hers broke her entirely. She was so unbelievably small, and looked so much like her father, and she was beautiful, and she was theirs. The feeling was completely overwhelming, and she was thankful Nightwing was there for her, understood her.
Kovu arrived within hours - he'd dropped everything to come see her. And the moment they were alone, he cried, too.