The splotchy primal lion greets you. Flanked by countless butterflies and moths, they introduce themselves as Glacier Rider, the monarch of the Pride of Blue Sunsets. "Monarch", and not "king" or "queen". Interesting, as you note the multicolored bedlah wrapped around their hips and waist. That only makes sense, the terms "king" and "queen" would have incorrect implications about Glacier Rider's gender identity. The primal monarch seems to be kind, if a bit absent-minded. They tell you that they welcome your stay, but their pridemates might not.
Backstory Things:
(remember to look at my king dynasty so that this makes more sense)
Glacier Rider was born with genes that should have long since fallen out of existence. He was a primal lion. Known for their strength and ferocity, Glacier Rider was barely considered the former, and was thus abandoned as an adolescent. He was found by a local king,
Hyacinthus, along with his sub male,
Apollo, who seemed far closer to his king than a sub male would normally be. Hyacinthus wondered what he was doing so far from home, and offered him to stay the night at his den.
Aurelia, the head Tactical, and
Amaya, the head Brood-mother, weren't exactly too keen on a presumably aggressive teenage stranger staying. Aurelia was worried about him going back home and telling his family where the Pride of Blue Sunsets' den was, and Amaya was worried about his interactions with cubs, due to his strength and size.
Papillon, the head Hunter, told them both to use their heads, and realize that Hyacinthus hadn't been able to produce a male heir that would survive to adulthood. Hyacinthus absolutely did not give Glacier Rider shelter with any ulterior motive like that, but Glacier Rider was accepting of the idea. Hyacinthus relented, and allowed Glacier Rider to stay and take the position of heir.
Glacier Rider eventually asked if it was okay to be referred to as gender-neutral rather than as a male, and if they could be called "monarch" rather than "king" when it was their time. This was met with acceptance. Hyacinthus told them many stories about the Pride. Mirthraya, the Pride's kind-hearted and energetic founder, and Shenzin, the aloof but fair successor. Glacier Rider was a bit surprised to learn that there weren't that many previous kings. They thought that the Pride was so well-established. Hyacinthus told them that a Pride flourishes through teamwork, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a Pride as cooperative as the Pride of Blue Sunsets.
Eventually, they met and fell in love with the daughter of Hyacinthus and
Scotch, his Queen. Her name was
Patch of Flowers, and she was everything Glacier Rider was not. Peppy, sassy, and confident. Even their fur colors were opposites. Despite their differences, Glacier Rider officially called Patch of Flowers their queen once they were coronated as monarch.
Eventually, Glacier Rider and Patch of Flowers' son,
Hesperide, was born. He would be heir to the throne, and finally tie together all these split ends of the Pride of Blue Sunsets' lineage.
