Aurelius Ren's Den

Tired and weary you stumble into the lands known as The Veil where a pride of lions reside among the green hills, golden plains, and sparkling oases. The lions here welcome you and bring you deep into the center of their lands, offering food, drink, and rest.
As you come to their resting place you see that the heart of their territory is even more beautiful than the rest, a haven of lush green plants, beautiful flowers, crystal clear waters, and shaded dens cut into the hillsides and rock.
Perhaps you are amazed they would let you see this paradise of theirs. You are nearly lost in the wonder of it all when you realize something is just a little off...

It's almost too perfect. As the tiredness seeps away and you begin to really take in your surroundings you realize how strange it is that each and every plant you have seen is so healthy even in the middle of this heat wave. There is a lioness standing near you, one who seemed kind when brought you food earlier, so you dare ask, "What is it that keeps this place so lovely? The rest of the world that I have seen these days is plagued by heat and dryness."

The lioness just smiles. "Don't you know? This is the Heart of the Veil. It is the birthplace of our magic, our gods. As long as lions live here and tend to it this realm is seldom touched by bad fortune."

You can barely process what you've heard. Ancient gods and magic? Hoping you aren't pushing your luck you ask another question. "Could...could I not stay then? I've come so far and this place is so wonderful."

At your question the lioness's smile falters. "Oh young one, you don't know what you ask. It may seem a blessing to live here...and it can be. But it is not always easy to be a caretaker here, or to live among gods. They are...fickle you know. Mortal lions can so easily be caught up in their games and petty fights."

Your eyes go a little wide. "Wait there are gods....here?" Your voice is barely a whisper as you look around, trying to pick out especially regal looking lions from those milling about around you.

"Of course," she tells you, her expression once again calm and almost like that of a mother indulging her cubs curiosity. "This is their earthly home. But their king demands that mortals live here too, something about...balance I think."

"So I could stay, if I wanted?" You ask, a little daunted but also thrilled at the prospect.

For a moment the lioness seems almost disappointed but she nods slowly. "Yes. You must ask our king of course. But please, consider carefully before you make a decision. There are challenges to being a mortal among gods, and even paradise can start to seem like a gilded cage."

You nod slowly but you find yourself dismissing her words. You don't see how this could be bad, living in a place so rich and fertile where you need never worry about food or water again. And surely there would be no safer place to live than among powerful gods who could protect the pride better than any mortal lion could. The more you think about it the more it seems like a good idea, so you ask for directions to the king and head immediately to his throne, so focused on securing your place here you don't see the pitying gaze of the lioness who watches you go.

King Dynasty

Pride Dynasty

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