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Kinged 12/6/23
1/2 Ennead Echo pies on LD
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"Ahem, attention cubs!" said the elderly blue and yellow king. He was sitting on the highest point of the den, on a rock the pride used as a stage. The cubs all were enjoying the warmth of the cave on that cold winter night, rolling around, full of energy after their dinner.
"Now now, stop playing. I have something to tell you all" The cubs continued to jostle around.
Sylvaine sighed, looking at his brood and shaking his head.
His daughter, Glimmer, who sported the fur of her father, shushed the little ones and shot a glare to two who were rough-housing, and they froze.
"I love you all, even you little Timmy" said the king. Timmy, who was squiggling around trying to bite his back, stopped in place.
"You all know I am getting older... "
A choir of giggles went across the room. The lionesses, instead of laughing, looked on forlornly.
"I believe it is time to name my heir."
The cubs' eyes go wide, several of them look at each other.
Sylvaine scans the room, and looks confused. "Where is he...?"
"Where is who?" say the cubs.
Sylvaine gets up and paces the den, looking for the lucky one. He sees shadows moving outside of the den entrance.
"I will be right back.." he says as he walks toward the movement.
As he nears it, he sees a purple adolescent pawing at a tree. "Give me that back!" says Midsummer to the snake in the tree. The snake's tail is wrapped around a skull and was poorly attempting to move it higher up the branch.
"Midsummer..." says Sylvaine, " I told you that it was an important night, you are supposed to be inside."
"Not now Dad, I just found out this jerk has been stealing the cub's toys!" protests Midsummer, motioning to the now hissing snake in the tree. Sylvaine turns his head slowly to meet the snake, who promptly drops the skull and slithers back up the tree.
Sylvaine returns his attention to Midsummer, and places his paw on his shoulder. "Midsummer... you have some of the best judgement and honor in this entire pride. You should know when to forgo petty arguments in the face of other, more important matters..."
"But..." Midsummer stutters, looking from the tree back to his king.
"Midsummer, I believe you are ready to lead the pride soon"
The young lion stops, his jaw drops, eyes darting around Sylvaine's face. "Dad....!"
"Come on son, though you are not mine by blood, you are by soul. There is no other lion I would rather have as my heir. I'm proud of you." He pauses, looking up at the night sky, "Under the eyes of our ancestors, let their will be known- I declare you the heir to the pride"
A rush of wind howls, sending chills up Midsummer's spine.
"I think they agree" says the king, his gaze softening to a smile. "Now come on, there is much to do."
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