Welcome to Gaia! ::

Golden eyes silently surveyed the chaos of the pride. There were several new faces, but many old ones... and a few were missing. She didn't yet know how she felt about the overthrow of the throne, and had mostly just kept out of the way. She was just a huntress, after all. She hunted. Not much else. So she watched all the shades of blue and white rushing around - even the plants were writhing with energy. Then she spotted something unmoving - some new face, white and blue like all the rest (all but hers of course, which was almost black, helpful for hunting). So she crept up on the nervous-looking female, confident and quiet. "Are you alright?" she asked softly, her golden eyes piercing into the other's.

Very submissive, this new lionness. Very pale. If it wasn't merely the color of her fur, she could have sworn all of the color had drained out of her from fear. Many of the lions - new or otherwise, shared this draining. Everyone could feel it, the strain. However, she had no idea what the stranger was talking about - someone being bitten by a snake? It didn't matter. This lionness needed some form of comfort. So she interrupted her, coming up to press her side to her flank. Contact helped with cubs, it could help with shock. "Come with me," she instructed calmly, leading her away from the rush and chaos. Whatever her story was, she would listen once the other was calm.

"You will learn his name in time," she said as soothingly as she could. "I'm sure he will be fine." It was all in the hands of the mother. She would look over him. She always watched over her pride. Though now the pride was being torn apart, and she didn't really know what was going to happen - or what had already happened, really. She thought maybe this stranger could tell her something, but it would take a few more healing words until then. "You may call me Hehku, Ea Menar. I'm glad to be the first here to know your name." She directed Ea to lie down, and laid beside her, keeping her flank pressed close. Eye contact would have helped too, but perhaps her warmth was better in this situation. She took slow, deep breaths, purposely exaggerating to urge Ea along. As she felt the lioness' anxiety flow slowly out of her, she continued: "Now, tell me what brought you and your friend here."

Hehku stopped shortly as she listened to the story of the snake bite, but continued her deep breaths so as not to throw off Ea. Now even she wondered if he was okay... but apparently she would have to find out later. "Well you can stay here for as long as it takes," she said reassuringly. "Here in the Iknimaya. I assure you it is quite safe near the heart of our Mother."

Someone would likely have to tend to her friend - or stranger, whatever he was. "Where did your friend go?" she asked, after another pause. At least Ea seemed to be gathering herself together a bit more, which was good. She was lovely too, a soft blue color that would fit well with the pride. Hehku hoped she would at least stay long enough to perhaps finally find a home. She could never imagine leaving this place.

"Then I know he is in good hands," Hehku said gently, smiling. "As are you, Ea." Her golden eyes connected with the other's soft silver ones, sending soothing thoughts. Only the newcomer's tail was twitching now, and she had calmed a great deal. Hehku had done well to welcome her, hadn't she? Her own tail was twitching, but gently and reassuringly. It was apparently taking a great deal of convincing to settle this female. "You should stay," she said finally, confidently. "There is more life here than you could ever imagine. Perhaps yours is here, too."

Hehku stood slowly, encouraging Ea to do the same. With her tail across the other's back, she lead the newcomer deeper into the heart of the pride. As the land swallowed them, blues and greens and a soft light soothed them equally. It was so beautiful here. Despite any chaos that may be developing, the great spirit of the land around them would always provide a haven.