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The eldest of Snowy Tundra's second litter, she is one of two females. She is a rare cub, for she is a fourth-generation lioness to be born into The Sentinel's Storm Pride. She wears this badge of honor with pride as befitting someone who follows Illynallah's path.
:Eight Months:
The Sentinel named her The Grey Lady, in honor of her decision to follow Illynallah's path, and her beautiful coat. And amusingly enough, her fertility level. Both Astronomy Domine and Solstice Spirits sensed an omen in her naming.
:Late Winter (One Year):
-Creamsicle's Farewell Ceremony-
The Sentinel summoned Astronomy Domine and Solstice Spirits to organize Creamsicle's farewell ceremony. He asked them to gather those who wished to attend. As it turned out, everyone who knew her wished to do so. Even the Scion attended, which surprised everyone as much as everyone appearing surprised Creamsicle.
Though Creamsicle was sure no one save the Sentinel and the shamans would come to her farewell ceremony, the entire pride attended. For she was the beloved First Wife of The Sentinel. Her passing to the realm of the Ancestors was the ending of an era. Everyone took turns going on hunts with her, and then each lioness and subordinate male said something they loved about her. Creamsicle was moved to tears by the great love showed during the ceremony.
The Grey Lady grew up with the First Lioness and was quite sad to see one of her mentors making ready to walk the path of the Ancestors. She started relying more on Ghostly Wisdom's advice for hunting skills.
:Early Spring (Two Years):
-First Hunt-
It was a doubly momentous day. Named as she was for the Grey Lady herself, Solstice Spirits was convinced The Grey Lady had a destiny. So those chosen for her First Hunt were hand picked by the shaman.
Solstice Spirits conducted The Grey Lady's First Hunt ceremony alone. Astronomy Domine either by arrangement or happenstance was not there to guide her. Her solo First Hunt Ritual proved a terrifying and rewarding experience. As the only shaman present, she led the ceremonial hunt and dictated the hunting ground best suited to The Grey Lady's abilities as she sensed them. She also meditated on the path of the sun that day for optimal lighting in the environment they chose. Solstice Spirits chose the young lionesses Bitter Ashes, Midnight Dreary, and Flesh Eater to go with them. They brought back two elephant calf carcasses.
Solstice Spirits did not know Tsar'Lena well; however sensed the newest lioness also possessed a destiny. She sought out Tsar'Lena to tutor The Grey Lady. Solstice Spirits greeted Tsar'Lena, welcomed her to the pride and spoke to her about The Grey Lady. "It is obvious to me that you are special to The Sentinel. There is destiny in your line with him. So too is there destiny within this young lioness. Will you take her under your paw and teach her? She is named The Grey Lady, for our Illynallah."
Both honored and surprised by the request, Tsar'Lena agreed.
The shaman also began teaching The Grey Lady the ways of Illynallah.
:Early Spring (Two Years, One Month):
-Crystal Forest's Farewell Ceremony-
As part of her extended family, The Grey Lady attended her grandmother's Farewell Ceremony. Her grandmother-mother Cymbaline and great-aunt Fire Lily, and her mother Snowy Tundra were part of the ceremony too. The elder lionesses So'Felosa, Siren's Song and The Banshee also attended. And, of course, The Sentinel. He stood to one side, silent and stoic.
The blue-eyed cub that caught Prince Whitewash's attention had long forgotten her anger with Lord Thunderpaw. She had been saddened when he passed on to the ancestors; however by then her heart belonged to The Sentinel. She bore him beautiful cubs that he loved, and it showed for her ceremony was full of those lionesses she brought into the world. Most had stayed in their home pride and Crystal Forest was in awe to see so much love.
Solstice Spirits presided over it. Though the young shaman was nervous, her words were truth and her wisdom great. The Grey Lady took these words to heart and pondered them.
:Early Spring (Two Years, Three Months):
-Widow's Walk's First Hunt-
Solstice Spirits asked The Grey Lady to come with them on Widow's Walk's first hunt. She felt it was important for The Grey Lady to interact with all the new members of the pride, and as Tsar'lena's pupil it was equally as important to stay with her mentor. The Mentor went with them too. They brought back a bushbuck carcass.
:Early Spring (Two Years, Five Months):
-Flame Tongue's First Hunt-
Solstice Spirits, The Grey Lady, Tsar'Lena and the Mentor accompanied Flame Tongue on her First Hunt. They brought back a Buffalo carcass.
:Early Spring (Two Years, Seven Months):
-The Rose in Winter's First Hunt-
As was quickly becoming tradition The Grey Lady, Solstice Spirits, The Mentor and Tsar'Lena accompanied The Rose in Winter on her First Hunt. Rose of Winter felt honored to be among such dignitaries of the pride, and planned to do her utmost to add to her mother's legacy within the pride. They brought back two elephant calf carcasses. It was quite a successful hunt.
:Early Spring (Two Years, Ten Months):
-The Sentinel's Farewell / The Sun Rises-
The Sentinel summoned all to his side that he might speak with his gathered pride one last time. He stood before the lionesses and lions and cubs, silent and thoughtful. The Grey Lady made her way through the gathered throng to stand near Tsar'Lena.
As he thought on the matter Astronomy Domine and Solstice Spirits came to him. They stood on either side and waited. His official ceremony of farewell began. An all day affair, and they all knew by sunset he would have to declare an heir. There was simply no more time.
"My ladies, my loved ones. You are in my heart. Each cub we have borne together is special to me, those who are here and those who have gone afield to seek lives elsewhere. Ladies, you are the pride. You hunt and take care of us all. Without you, there would be no pride. I know Creamsicle and the others who went before me are waiting..."
His icy gaze found So'Felosa and they shared a moment, for perhaps she was waiting too. "...and there are those who were waiting for too long. Those I wished had come to us sooner." Here he found Tsar'Lena's eyes and there was so much sorrow in them he was forced to look away.
"Illynallah calls me, and I cannot refuse now. My body is ready to join her, heed the call of our ancestors and be with those who have come before. I will be here, watching over the Storm Pride. And yet, you need a king to guide you. I must...."
Ere he could finish his words, an event occurred that changed everything. A fire coated young male lion appeared. His eyes of deep emerald yet his mane and paws so resembling The Sentinel's there was no mistaking him. This was The Sentinel's Sun. As further proof there was the Shining Drongo decor gleaming from his mane.
The lionesses parted for him, a sea of whispers and surprised comments in his wake. The Grey Lady found the young lion's emerald gaze catching her blue ones, and she felt that he desired her above all others. She did not understand this, only that he was the one she had waited for all her life. Then it was gone as he turned to Tsar'Lena, who blocked his path. She delayed him long enough to rub her head against his.
He returned the gesture with a whispered, "Mother..."
Upon hearing the new arrival's voice, a shiver rushed through the Grey Lady.
It was easy to see the joy rising up from Tsar'Lena's heart as her gaze shone to look upon him. "At last you are here. Another challenge may yet lay ahead of you..."
"I am ready. I learned well." He said.
The young lion went to The Sentinel and he bowed to his sire. "I have come, sire... father. I would have come sooner, yet in her wisdom mother told me to wait. Wait until I was strong enough. Now I have..."
Before he could finish, the Scion leapt from where he had been watching the proceedings. He placed himself between the Sentinel and the Sentinel's Sun, using his body weight to shove Solstice Spirits aside in the process.
"You are not welcome here! This is my den. If you think you can come and claim kingship here, little cub, you are wrong." He snarled and his mane seemed wider and thicker than usual. His eyes burned brighter with the hatred he felt toward the upstart.
"Scion!" The Guardian declared and rushed to the scene.
Yet the Sentinel held a paw and tossed his mane. He snarled in a swift threatening fashion. "Be still. He is who he claims to be. This is my son..." And this comment drew further whispers, concerned mutters and a few murmurs of surprise. "...and he is the heir I declared to take the Storm Pride when I am with Illynallah."
The Scion did not look away from the Sentinel's Sun. For now, it was a stand off. There was no reason why the Scion did not attack that very moment.
"Yes and that is why..." The Guardian began.
Again The Sentinel cut him off. A swift glance and a growl. He was still the king. "If he is to be the king, he must be able to defend the territory, to take on all those who oppose him." He tilted his head toward the Scion, silvered mane glinted in the sunlight. "The Scion is someone who opposes him. My son must prove he is a worthy king. It is the way of things. Do not interfere. This is between them."
The Scion made his move. He spared only a moment, long enough to say, "Good, then I shall take pleasure in his death."
The Sentinel and all the pride watched the fight between the young lion and the Scion. During this time The Warden returned, bloodied and injured from a fight too. Though others wondered at the state of his bloody chin and the torn flesh of his muzzle, his story would wait until this conflict was concluded. The decision made.
The Grey Lady tensed as she watched, and yet she knew that the heir apparent would prevail. She felt somehow that she knew Illynallah had blessed this passing of the title and the territory. She did not know how she knew this, only that she was sure Illynallah - the grey lioness of storms and victory - would see the Sentinel's Sun triumphant.
Nevertheless, it was a bitter combat, with bloody blows reigning down on both sides. Teeth flashed, claws buried deep into fur. In the end, the match was closer than the others anticipated, so great was the ambition and hate of the Scion, who had been brewing in his own malice for the majority of his life.
However, in the end, the Sentinel's Sun prevailed. He stood proud and a wind rose up as though the Lioness of Storms approved of this display and blessed the victory. Tsar'Lena, the Guardian, and the Grey Lady rushed to him. Solstice Spirits attended what wounds he received.
"You are the king of the Storm Pride. I pass this pride and all I have created to you. Keep it safe." Said the Sentinel, and he went to his son and for the first time in his life, bowed his head to someone else. This then his acknowledgement that the young lion was The Sentinel's heir, as the old king decreed.
He spoke the words he lived by these many long years, the wisdom that allowed him to create a mighty pride and territory from nothing save a watering hole. "Illynallah will guide you, if you allow her. May your courage never fail you. May wisdom follow your steps and honor live within your heart. May you walk the path of honor and keep wisdom within your soul. If you find the burdens heavy or the opponents mighty, call upon your allies - the Guardian is here, as are the others. They are your strength."
The Sentinel's Sun looked to the Guardian, "I will heed your advice sire." He stood straighter and looked to the sky as he continued to speak. "My heart is with Illynallah, for my mother spoke of her and all her glory. I shall keep the Storm Pride strong, father. You will be proud of me."
"I already am, my son." He rested his forehead against his son's.
Astronomy Domine blessed the change in leadership. What began as The Sentinel's Farewell Ceremony concluded in the coronation of his successor. All bowed to him, save the Scion who was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps he would return, perhaps not. No one missed him...
So the story of the Sentinel concluded, and the Sun rose.
:Early Spring (Two Years, Eleven Months):
-Day of Mourning / Long live the King-
When she heard this was a day of mourning, the Grey Lady curled herself into a small ball as she had as a cub. She wept for the Sentinel and whispered prayers to Illynallah that the grey lioness' blessings might be upon her newly arrived son. She loved the Sentinel for his wisdom and understanding that she did not want him when her first heat occurred. She loved him because there was something about her everyone thought important, and he named her for the very lioness that all the Storm Pride look to for advice and guidance. She did not know if she could live up to her namesake; however she meant to try.
She listened to others speak about their encounters with the new king and those bright green eyes of his and she knew that he would come to her eventually. They had shared something the previous day. The Grey Lady did not know what it was; however she sensed it was the beginning of something great.
The Sentinel's Sun continued his wanderings into the night, and finally he found his way to The Grey Lady. They did not speak. She merely went to him and they laid together, her leaning on him a little. It was as though a bond had formed between them even before they met. Perhaps it had been formed when their eyes connected the day before. Perhaps it had always been there.
He knew in his heart and by her smell she had never mated. She waited for him, wanted only him, and he was grateful that his sire had not pressed the issue. The Grey Lady would be his lioness and his alone. He felt her tremble as she sat close to him and invited her into his den. She accepted, and it was there that she would sleep every night thereafter for the remainder of their lives.
:Mid Spring (Three Years, Four Months):
-Tsar'Lena's Farewell-
The Grey Lady woke to a sorrow-filled king. His heart was heavy, and she knew why. This was the queen mother's day of farewell. The day she joined those-who-waited. Grey Lady did not like to see her king, her love, so distraught. There was nothing she could do for him save to ensure he got through the day. While he prepared for the ceremony, she went away to hunt. However, on her way to join the hunting party she saw the fiery form of the queen mother retreating into the forests.
She jogged toward Tsar'Lena so to, she admitted, not attract that much attention. When she arrived, she said: "My lady, you are my mentor and I would not allow you to leave without saying farewell, at least, to the king. Please, Tsar'Lena, he will be quite devastated if you leave without a word."
"You speak Illynallah's truth, Grey Lady." The queen mother concurred. She waited while the Grey Lady fetched her son in near secrecy. She did not tell The Sentinel's Sun why she summoned him away from the preparation; however her eyes were filled with sorrow and she saw the concern rise in his expression. When they arrived, the king rushed to his mother's side.
"Mother." He said, with the same tone as he had when they were reunited on the day of his coronation. Again he rested his forehead against hers and they were silent for a moment.
"My cub. The king yet still my cub."
"Yes, always." The king's voice was strained with emotion. His last word a whisper: "Always..."
The Grey Lady backed away, gave them a moment of private. Their last moment.
Their conversation was too soft for her to hear. She kept vigil, her attention back the way they had come. She saw only Astronomy Domine paying attention, and it seemed the shaman managed to keep others at bay somehow. Perhaps it was via some mystical means, or perhaps it was merely because no one else noticed yet.
Presently, no more words passed between them. They stayed this way for some time and in the distance the roars and mutterings of other lionesses could be heard as the new arrivals appeared in the lands. No more words passed between them. Finally, they parted ways.... and she would never see him again...
The Grey Lady waited until Tsar'Lena had departed and then she approached The Sentinel's Sun. "We must go. There are others waiting... the ceremony should continue regardless."
"Yes, you are right of course." He managed to reply, still in shock.
She led the way back to the others and a murmur rose up to see the stunned state of the still-new king.
When he realized others were staring at him, The Sentinel's Sun stood taller and tossed his mane. He would not allow them, especially the Scion, to see his sorrow. Later, in the privacy of their den he would grieve with the Grey Lady at his side. Later... for now he was the king.
Astronomy Domine was the first to approach them. It seemed to the king that she had been waiting for them to return. She said simply: "She is gone. The queen mother."
He nodded: "She is gone. It is her wish to leave."
"So be it." The shaman replied. "We will have the ceremony still. There are the rare times that those who are ready to depart chose this path instead. I shall conduct it as Solstice Spirits is not prepared for such an event, and truth be told, I meant to conduct the ceremony."
"I am honored," replied the Sentinel's Sun.
"She was queen mother to us all, no matter how short the time, my king."
The king inclined his head to her. "Thank you."
So it was that the ceremony commenced with Blood of Tsar'rin, Tsar'rin, and War Dawn Rises in attendance. War Dawn brought her young cub, Dark Dawn.
The Sentinel's Sun was quite surprised to see his sisters and half sisters in attendance. And of course pleased.
Empress Primrose was there too. She had with her a Violet Garland. "This is for Tsar'Lena, for she will be missed. She is missed in my pride. Yet, where is she?"
Astronomy Domine saved the king from replying, "She chose the way of the wanderer and went into the lands before the ceremony."
"Hmph, that wasn't nice." Pouted Dark Dawn. "I want ta meet gran'."
"Hush, little one," War Dawn Rises quietly reprimanded her cub, "It is not fair, I know however it is her choice and is the way of things." She added: "Though I am very sad she is not here. I would have liked to see her again, I miss mother."
The king nodded and his sisters murmured their concurrence.
The Empress was troubled, "Hm, then how shall I give this to her?" She indicated the violet garland with a sweeping paw.
"I do not think that will be possible, Empress." Ventured the Grey Lady.
She looked down at the much younger lioness. Her tone understandably haughty. "And who are you?"
"I am the Grey Lady."
"She is... I suppose she is my empress." The Sentinel's Sun admitted then publicly what the others in the pride only suspected until then.
Blood of Tsar'rin and War Dawn Rises whispered to each other as they eyed the silver lioness with new appreciation.
Empress Primrose considered the Grey Lady a moment. "Ah, then you are as dear to the heart of the king as his mother? I think, I shall gift this to you in her stead." She went over to the Grey Lady and draped it over the lioness' neck even as the other uttered brief whispers of protest. [Decor: Violet Garland]
"Nonsense, if you are his favored and so his empress then you should have this. It is fitting. I hope that one day you will be the queen mother and be able to pass this to the love of your son's life."
The Grey Lady and The Sentinel's Sun had a moment together. "It suits you." He said.
She flushed and ducked her head. It was the moment that the shamans took to officially begin the ceremony.
Astronomy Domine spoke on Tsar'Lena's contributions to the pride in her short time within it. Her mentoring of the adolescents and going on First Hunts with several of the young lionesses. She gave praise to the way the queen mother accepted her new role, held high the edicts of Illynallah and offered herself in service to the pride from the very beginning. The shaman extolled the delights of Tsar'Lena's pleasant and gentle personality, her strength and quick tactics and great leadership during hunts. Finally she commented on the great ways that Tsar'Lena raised her son, who was now the king and who honored all those under him with an equality unmatched by any save his sire.
By the end, few were the dry eye of the pride. Even those who did not have the privilege of knowing Tsar'Lena well were wrought with emotion for the queen mother they had loved during her scant months among them.
After the ceremony, Empress Primrose and the Grey Lady moved together, conversing in low tones that were occasionally filled with soft chuckles.
As they spoke, the king watched the way Grey Lady moved, admiring her. He could smell her heat approaching and knew he would be able to take her at last. While he mused on the enjoyment of the moment, Blood of Tsar'rin approached The Sentinel's Sun. Tsar'rin and War Dawn Rises lingered close to her but far enough away to not interfere with the conversation.
War Dawn Rises played with her cub to keep her entertained during the exchange between the king and their eldest sister.
"Sister, it has been a long time it seems." He bumped his head against Blood of Tsar'rin's.
She pressed hers against his in return of affection. "And you have aged and yet not aged. You look barely older, indeed truly younger than when we last saw you, little brother!" Blood of Tsar'rin laughed, despite the day.
The Sentinel's Sun could not help but chuckle. It was good to see his sisters here and it warmed his heart to know they still lived. Even their short visit here was good for him. Too, he was now not the only one filled with the great sorrow of losing a mother. "So sister, what caused you to take this long journey? Was it truly only for our mother's farewell?"
"Sun... I ... well, we would like to join the Storm Pride."
The Sentinel's Sun was taken back at the request. He only considered it a moment. Them joining meant he would have blood-family once again! "Of course you are welcome to join. The territory is vast, I am sure you will be welcome. But - why are you seeking to leave the pride of Dawn's Royal?" He asked.
They did not speak. Their expressions told volumes that went left unspoken. Empress Primrose and the Grey Lady were close enough to hear the conversation. War Dawn Rises glanced toward her and the Empress rumbled.
"Do not fear, War Dawn , I will not say anything. I do not think the king realizes you are leaving the pride. I will soothe his mane. This will not be the cause of a pride war."
The king snorted, "With all respects, Empress, I have my doubts. He already holds me a great grudge for taking Tsar'Lena and leaving myself. No longer living under the yolk of his oppression."
Blood of Tsar'rin's eyes widened to hear Dawn's Royal called such and her sisters muttered their surprise, yet all had witnessed the brutal ways that Dawn's Royal sparred with the Sentinel's Sun, the daily attempts to force his brain to accept a submissive role in life. As a king, he had every right to speak his mind, they were merely not used to this thing.
Empress Primrose laughed. "Of course, sire, it is as you say. I will assure he will not bother your Storm Pride. While my paw might not be enough to break his strength, my words can quell his anger and I have... other ways of subduing him." Her eyes narrowed with laughter and she sought the Grey Lady's gaze.
The blue-eyed lioness' eyes opened wider. She ducked her head and laughed now too, the pleasant notes muffled by her new neck piece. "Yes... it is as you say, Empress."
Though the king knew a moment had passed between the two favorites, he would never quite understand what he missed.
So the day ended with three new lionesses joining the Storm Pride, and one leaving. A day of joy and sorrow that would be long remembered by all within the pride.
:Early Summer (Three Years, Nine Months):
First Litter
Princess Grey Sun 385817190395 F
The Lady's Sentinel 385817190396 F
:Mid Summer (Nine Years, Eleven Months):
Third Litter
The Graceful Sun 664850231022 F
The Sentinel's Pride / The Grey Morning 664850231023 M
At last she granted The Sentinel a son... a male and therefore heir apparent to the pride. And yet, both parents agreed he was an unpleasant cub, his only saving grace his good nature and markings. They could only hope she would bare another son before her cub birthing years were through. And yet, the burden of cub rearing was growing heavy on The Grey Lady's brow...
:Ten Years, Ten Months:
You watch The Grey Lady run and jump with other pride members. Her fur shines as she dives into a tackle and comes up rolling. Man, you wish you could move like that.
:Early Autumn (Twelve Years):
The Grey Lady bore her fourth litter to The Sentinel's Sun
Princess Pale Fire 794109619111
Princess Gentle Fire 794109619110
:Early Autumn (Thirteen Years, One Month):
With a graceful lope, The Grey Lady passes you as you inspect the pride. Her rhythmic pawsteps adding to her feline gracility.
:Mid Autumn (Thirteen Years, Eleven Months):
The Grey Lady's much anticipated final litter was born. Three healthy cubs. The Sentinel hoped to find his heir within these small bundles of fur.
* 794109944367 M
Princess Silver Luster 794109944368 F
Princess Darling 794109944369 F
He was very disappointed with the results, making all the cubs from his beautiful queen a disappointment to him....
:Fourteen Years, Four Months:
You watch The Grey Lady run and jump with other pride members. Her fur shines as she dives into a tackle and comes up rolling. Man, you wish you could move like that.
:Fourteen Years, Eight Months:
You playfully got into a tussle with The Grey Lady, and although you were stronger than her, you still felt clumsy and big-footed compared to her light steps and dextrous pivots.
:Fifteen Years, One Month:
The Grey Lady daily heard the whisper of her ancestors, urging her to join them, to walk the path to where her mother and father and sisters resided. She heard their calls and dreamed of them when she slept. It was a struggle each day to awaken, for the weight of this life was heavy upon her shoulders. She wanted to rest. And yet, the Storm Pride still had no future king. All her efforts to produce a king for her beloved Sentinel's Sun were to no avail. Neither of her sons were worthy to take the position, and it grieved her that she had failed her king in such a way.
There must be a king to take over the Storm Pride. While The Sentinel's Sun was still strong, still had seasons before him, The Grey Lady feared she would not live long enough to know the Storm Pride would be secure with a new king...
_______________
Born Early Winter
Sire: Ancient Wisdom 43802
Dam: Snowy Tundra 215405460010
Littermate: 307344450030
410 Stats
Specials
Silver Base
Slot 2: Fiery Bottom (33%)
Slot 3: Onyx Brindle (34%)
Slot 6: Onyx Tips (61%)
Slot 7: White Luster (82%)
Slot 8: Onyx Panther (85%)
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