Snow was coming down hard now that summer was long in the past, but soon in the future. She loved the winter, and it was the dead of winter. Things had gone smoothly lately, almost too much so. Everyone was cautious, as they always were, but a sorta new peace washed over them. She smiled and for once let herself stop worrying. Natintrapa couldn't always worry, even though she was queen, she had to let herself enjoy some moments. This seemed like a good moment to enjoy. Urza and her pride had grown fairly big since they first started, but it was still small compared to other prides. Of course, that made no difference to her. Other prides were not her home.
She flicked her tail as she walked about watching everyone enjoy the fresh fallen snow. The biggest part of the blizzard had passed, and there was no one going out after dark except those who knew that land without needing to see. Only a handful of scouts could do that, along with the King himself. Urza had saved many lions from dying to the cold during those long nights. During the day, things were quite different. Everyone was out playing in the snow, or doing their daily duty. Hunters would bring back food for the pride almost regularly. Even though it was cold, there was much life here. Snow trees still were growing, as well as plants strong enough to stand the colder weather of their mountain.
She believed it was the goddess that gave them this land that made it possible to live here. Many thought that, and it was one reason they gave all their worship and prayers to that goddess and others that might help with this land. New faces were rarer now days than before. Though she had noticed a few new faces. She approached one that called herself Atohi.
Atohi had come from a far off world, it seemed. Snow fit her better. It was peaceful, and she could hide her own secrets with no one questioning her. That was what she liked best. She had lost her memory of her past, but had felt that something bad had happened. Why else would she have forgotten everything? She smiled as the Queen approached her. She knew it was the queen as she was the only one that was highly decorated as this lioness. She bowed in respect.
"Very snowy, today." She had met Urza, but not this lady til now. Urza had acted as if he was just another lion, she wondered how she'd act. She seemed friendly enough, but that could all be an act. "What can I do for you, your highness?"
"That makes the day lovelier than most." Natintrapa responded to the lioness. She smiled and mused on her next words for a couple of moments. A pause to keep the lioness waiting. "I just felt I should introduce myself to a new face" She said. Natintrapa had not always been good with speaking to others, but becoming Queen of a pride had changed that. Urza also helped with that. He always put more faith in her than she ever thought she deserved. He was the lion who saved her in many ways.
"I'm Queen Natintrapa," She figured that the lioness already knew who she was, considering she called her Highness. "Are you enjoying the land so far?" It had not been clear yet if the young lioness was going to be staying with them. Of course, she hoped that Atohi would. She was always sad when she got to know a lion or other critter, and then they would leave. She knew not everyone would stay forever, but there was always that hop that they would. Once someone came to the land, she felt they were her children. Even if not related in anyway. She loved them all the same.
Her own children were long grown and some even starting their own families. which made her more happy. Her eyes were kind, but vibrantly orange. "I hope you do find that these lands are the best in the world." She said. "I do hope you decide to make these snowy mountains your home."
Atohi was almost taken back by the bluntness of the lionesses words. She smiled and nodded at the lioness. "I'm Atohi." She said and looked to her paws. She hadn't even considered leaving the moment she had gotten here. There was always away about this place that she couldn't shake. A feeling that she needed to be here. "You don't have to worry about that, my lady." She said with a smile "I don't plan on leaving, as I do not have any where else to go."
That was true. Or, at least, that was what she thought. She didn't know if she had any family, or if she was just left to die as a cub. That was another lifetime away. Here she was just Atohi, if that was even her real name. It was now, anyways. Everyone had called her that now, and it was something that was sticking. It gave a nice ring when spoken, and was a good name for her. "It's more than lovely here." She said with a nod.
Relief washed over Natintrapa. She didn't show it though. She stood there in front of the female and smiled. "Good, I am glad to hear that, Atohi." She said Out of many who had come into this land, many had declined her offer to stay here. This was a small success in her paws, and she felt Atohi would make a great addition to their pride. She was strong, and seemed to learn the land well. "I hope you consider becoming a Ice Guard." She said finally. She had watched the lioness abit before deciding to actually talk to her. It was good to know a bit about someone before talking to them. You learned more from watching anyways.
"You have great skill, and we could use more like you on the front." She said with a nod. She knew that perhaps that was something better left for Usiku Angania to decide, but she was queen, and had already heard Gunju talking highly of this lioness, which was the second in command for the guards. "Please consider it"
Atohi had already considered it and already asked about it. It was a matter of passing the tests first. She smiled at the lioness before her and nodded "Of course," She said without adding the part that she was already in the action of such things. It would be best, in her eyes, to make it seem like the queen was the one who got the idea in her head. Out of respect, of course. She didn't want to come off as rude, especially when she had been given such good hospitality.
"You're very kind to think I have skill enough to protect these lands" She said. It was quite the boost in ego, she admitted to herself. Though, such things could go to ones' head. She best not let herself get too careless or she could end up getting herself into trouble one way or another. She was deciding it was best to leave before the Queen gave her too much of a boost that her mind would think she was the best thing around. Of course that's not completely true. She knew that. But she was far better than some of the other guards, she let herself think.
"I think I shall leave you now, your highness." She said with a smile. "I probably should go register for being a guard."
Natintrapa beamed at the dedication that this lion was showing. Good, she was happy that someone was taking her advise. Thought it seemed everyone did, after all... .She knew best, right? Yes. That was what everyone seemed to think anyways. Though, in truth, she knew it wasn't true. She just wanted to make sure everyone was happy.
Natintrapa bowed, "Until another day" and then turned away from the lioness. Heading off to visit with another from the pride. It wasn't easy being queen, but she did make it look like it was.
