OOC NOTE: Please let Camelia post first!

Well, here they were.

There was Tosca, thinking she'd probably end up staying a rogue for a while longer - like her Pa and Tessa, and like she herself had been for all those months before. Plans change, though, and it was all down to @Camelia and her endless well of charisma; that girl could probably sell wood to a forest if she put her mind to it. And the idea of belonging to something bigger than herself? Well, it was tempting! It made her feel rather grown-up. "So this is it?" She would turn to the piebald yearling at her side, grinning. "Looks nice." She'd spent so much of her time at the coast recently that it felt almost familiar. And to be able to live alongside her friend? Well, what better way to take a step into independent (kind of) living! And she knew Pa wouldn't mind; it wasn't going to change anything between them, after all. Maybe she'd be able to get them all living here too, one day! She imagined the cubs would benefit from it in some way. After sending out a call for the leadership of the Cove, she would focus on suppressing her nervous energy, grateful that Camelia was here with her.

Here we are! She affirmed, as they approached the Cove. Already each synapse danced alight; exciting fluttering by the breath of many. Would she like it? Did she realize how close they were to the place? Would Jewel be mad? Would the other kids try bully? Camelia struggled with empathy. These concerns weren’t concerns she could ever imagine having. She had never worried for anyone beyond her own shadow and it seemed strange to lend such sensibility to others in her orbit. But the opportunity to arise, and how could Camelia not invite her friend over? Especially if it meant having someone she knew and trusted beside her. Like all day. Every day. Trouble and Mayhem. Fun in the sun. Of course, Camelia couldn’t help but remind her friend @Tosca how much she wanted to live by the sea. Who’s going to win best friend year of the award now? Boy, the Cove were in for it… Just kidding. Maybe. @Jewel shouldn’t be far off, she murmured as they gallivanted along.a happy ending, please
— ❖ —

She smiled scenting the young female that she had brought into the pride. The lioness adjusted her course and made her way towards Camelia's location, pausing when she saw her standing with another young female. The sovereign blinked, a smile touching her lips as she dipped her head to the pair. "Camelia.. who's that you have there?" Jewels tails flickered near her legs - she wasn't upset that the two toned yearling had brought someone into the Cove, but she wouldn't let the pair go much further until she knew what it was the two were doing.

Much further unescorted, at least. Jewel wasn't one to turn down someone who was a friend, but perhaps she should take the time later to tell Camelia the pride laws somewhere a long the way about bringing in outsiders... Still.. She wasn't going to make a snap decision until she had a chance to see what the two troublemakers were up to. Her voice was kind, a smile in the words and a glimmer of mischief in her own eyes as she walked towards the pair. Getting closer, she realized she recognized the other female and found that she was pleased to see the young girl looking well.

@Tosca @Camelia

"speech"

Excitement and nervous trepidation would bubble in her chest the further in they got; the way @Camelia seemed to move with such confidence implied that she was fine . This was a far cry, after all, from their invasion of Scilla Lagoon; they were being far more grown-up here, or so she liked to think. She only managed to catch the tail end of what her piebald friend said - lost in the haze of her daydreams - and so when she would turn her head to clarify a brow would arch in inquiry. "Wait, who did you say?" The name she heard (or the name she thought she heard) was familiar. And then, lo and behold, they were rumbled. Brunette head turned abruptly to take in the form of - "@Jewel!" The excitement would quickly subside into a bashful correction. "Oh, um, I mean... Queen Jewel?" A sheepish grin is shot to Camelia, then, hoping that the blonde would not be in trouble for inviting anyone over. Hey, the Khulani matriarch was going to get another member out of it - that should count for something, right?

Please don't be mad, she began, eyes wide with excitement. she was immediately made animate as @Jewel approached them.

this was a big day, and big emotions were okay. she drew in a deep exhale, as though this were to be meditative for every party involved. camelia had grown to appreciate a good use of theatrics. This is my bestest friend, @Tosca. And she said she wanted to live in a place like the Lagoon. And imeanthey'resoclosea and thecoveissonice.

Wait. Did she say too much? She passed a furtive glance to her cohort, her obvious partner in a crime Camelia had oh so happily told her rule about. great goin', loser. but of course, a mini melo-drama-queen like herself could think on her feet. to lessen the blow of such misdemeanors, Camelia the Wind-Up Law was ready with the receipts. Can she stay? She can run soooo fast. I bet she'd be the world's best hunter or scout or something. You know. Thinking ahead.

She beat me twice in a race. She punctuated this with a sincere and affirming look. Twice. How could you possibly say no?a happy ending, please
— ❖ —

[OOC: Omg they're adorable.]

Jewel smiled when it dawned on her that she recognized the other female trailing along with Camelia and before she could say anything, the pale girl was launching into an explanation. The ebony queen's head shifted, her gaze on the lioness standing before her and a smile tugging at her lips at her pure excitement. The other lioness made her argument to allow Tosca to stay and Jewel hummed, looking as if she was truly having to think it over.

"Well.. I have been thinking of offering you the title of Lead scout.. seeing as you are so good at finding things and learning the layout of the lands.. and as such - I suppose that your judgement in such matters is quite important.. If you think she would be a good fit here, she can stay..." She chuckled, knowing full well that the other female was an excitable being, and she wanted to nurture that excitement. Watch it grow. Camelia could be a force to be reckoned with.. with a little bit of training. Jewel knew from what little she had known of Tosca, she doubted the other would cause any problems.

Jewel turned her head towards the other female standing there, a smile touching her lips and her eyes sparkling with mirth. "If that's what you want, of course.. I wouldn't want you to be in a pride that might not be what you want to live in. I don't suppose that lady Camelia has told you of our laws?" Jewel knew that for most of those that came and went the laws weren't truly terrible. She knew eventually some might change as time went on - but for now, the ebony leader was content to lead her pride in the way she had since she started. Jewel also had opted to switch to watching Tosca to give the young Camelia a chance to 'sink in' that she had a rank within the pride if she chose to accept it. The girl truly had the drive to shoot for the stars. She didn't know Tosca that well, but she imagined that she would also have the same drive if it was given a chance to flourish.

@Tosca @Camelia

"speech"

@Camelia is quick to turn on the charm, all big grin and wide, innocent eyes. Tosca would do the same were it not for the fact that she found the whole thing a little demeaning; well, that, and it'd probably look a bit scary if she tried it to. So, instead, she settles for a hopeful smile aimed straight for the obsidian-pelted Queen. Her heart would swell at being referred to as a best friend, but her nerves at the situation would not allow her to get too sentimental just yet. Instead, she would focus on the words of the High Sovereign, tearing her gaze away from @Jewel only to give Camelia a congratulatory nudge to the shoulder with her head at the promotion. "Lead scout! Go you!" And then, when conversation turned back to more serious matters, the freckled brunette would immediately straighten herself up once more. "Yes, I would love to! Cam hasn't gone into too much detail yet, so I'm all ears." Tosca confessed, keen and perky expression making it obvious that she was keen to be filled in on such things as soon as possible.

Me? No. Way. She sucked in a heavy breath, and she felt a tremble collect from her toes to her nose. These sorts of things simply didn't happen to Camelia. Good things did not just happen. A promotion? A LEAD? Scout. Doing the thing she loved most? Exploring. Wandering around. Taking names and learning all that she can? What a cushy gig. Surely, Jewel was just placating her. And heck, in all the excitement she nearly forgot why they were even there. Are you sure? Okay. Things have taken a trip to twilight zone. A job. She was given a responsibility. Camelia was finally no longer seen as just a kid. She beamed, vibrating with excitement. I won't let you down, @Jewel!

And having her best friend there to cheer her on to boot? How could this day get any better? Oh, right. She felt her friend brush against her, and Camelia, grinning like a fool, jostled back against her. Oh, she forgot about the rules. Okay, so she wasn't the best with rules. But, she knew the basics. She gave Jewel a sheepish expression. They were too wound-up to really sit and talk details. And who better to advise than their own Queen? It's not bad, I promise. She assured @Tosca. Jewel was nice. She wouldn't expect them to be big bad evil goons.a happy ending, please
— ❖ —

Jewel smiled at the excitement of the pale yearling, her expression softening as she watched the girl try to get control of herself. That wasn't something she particularly worried about - the girl would grow into the position, of that Jewel had faith. When Camelia spoke of the pride not being bad, she gave the girl a grin and nodded. "Our rules are simple Lady @Tosca.. We don't claim anyone into the Cove.. If you want to leave at any time - you're welcome to do so just tell me so that I can make sure that we adjust our hunting and ensure that I know who is in the pride in the event someone asks. Pull your weight - if you have a task that will help the pride, please use it.. Ranks are all open for claim - if you want to take a rank - go for it.. but be prepared to defend it if someone wishes to take it in your stead."

She didn't think to go too much into detail as there wasn't much to worry about with the Cove. Thus far, Jewel hadn't seen reason to change any of the pride rules. "If you are going to greet any visitors that call for the pride, keep them beyond the borders.. and if they cross into our territory, detain them and call for help.. There's no need for you to be injured if we have others available to help." So far - that was about all she supposed the yearling would need to know. Things about cubs and using her rank not to irritate their allies would come if and when the girl decided to assume a rank. "I will reward those that have proven themselves to the pride.." As @Camelia found out just now.

"speech"

Her little pal was awfully excited about the promotion - with fair reason, of course - and Tosca would have to do her best to not let such enthusiasm carry her away from listening to the important words of the Queen. And so, with a look of determination, she would hone in on @Jewel as she spoke, nodding intently at every appropriate interval. It all sounded good to her! Especially the freedom of movement; the last thing she wanted was to be shackled anywhere. "That all sounds fair enough to me.... I would love to join, if you'll have me?" With a hopeful expression she would smile up at the High Sovereign, practically vibrating off the ground with anticipation. Who would have the power to refuse her? Especially with the charismatic @Camelia at her side as her wingwoman?