xI went where and when felt right, it led me here so I can't say it's been a bad life strategy. A bit of luck had to get involved in it. She could have ended up on many other doorsteps just as easily as Jewel's. Vysemala had been at the right place, the right time, at the birth of the Cove pride and pieces just easily fell into place from there. My family is large but I was an only child, not many around my age so it felt small at the time. She explained- the Sovereign seemed to have no real emotion any which way when mentioning her own family that might suggest her feelings. She didn't bring them up with fondness or longing that would lend itself to a homesick woman but she didn't speak ill of the lot either. They just were... mundane she supposed. The perfect family to wander away from and find adventure because if you found it, great, your life improved and if not you could go home without hard feelings.

Nature sounded pretty. They would be long lasting names, names that had depth and meaning to them. I like that. Neither @Willoughby nor Erevu is pulled from nature right? It'll be your thing. Together. V knew not everyone could, or would, plunge into a tradition like she was doing with Jewel's naming conventions and traditions. It was fine to want to blend, to create anew. It was how the world changed and cultures grew.x

"oh, same" Willoughby muses "I was told my family was quite large in another realm" before they settled in the land of No Name "but I was born an only cub to my parents" it was nice to think she had something in common with @Vysemala. the bard already thought the queen was a good person, and going to be a wonderful mother! "do... your parents still live?"

she didn't want to bring up any bad memories though.

"actually" on the nature of nature "I was named after a willow tree that gave shelter to my parents. the first night they left their home and settled in my place of birth" Willow Tree. Willow Be. she giggles softly "but Erevu and I were brought together by me asking him to help gather. so it seemed suitable to name our children after herbs and flowers."

10 exp - bard - learn family or pride's history (vysemala) - 2/2
10 exp - bard - share family history (to vysemala) - 1/2

Were your parents prone to hover over you too then? It was a blessing and a curse to have the full attention of your parents. It did put a damper on exploring sometimes when the adult eyes out numbered children to watch. I believe so yes. It's been awhile since I've heard of them though. Some bit of wonder tapped at her voice and her eyes flickered away to the clouds thoughtfully. It was just a second of contemplating, she doubted it was the intention but Willoughby's question did bring upon V the realization that her parents might have passed and she wouldn't know. Perhaps not for months, or ever until she passed herself and saw them out the other side of things. It wasn't so sad as it was unsettling.

She looked back then and was smiling. Oh I love that. Vysemala enjoyed the story of Willoughby's name. Unfortunately if Jewel and I take that route with our children one will be named Pelican. A laugh, a fond memory though. I think we shall spare a child that fate.

/exit slash ending older out of date thread here

"they liked to hover a bit" Willoughby purrs "but I think I was more social than most cubs. I loved to learn from them. I loved to be with them. I was sad to leave, but knew I had to in order to branch out. see the world." she also had the full attention of her parents. father Lovelace was a hunter slash storyteller. mother Lovelace was a mother in all things. she was a caretaker and adventurous lioness at the same time.

"I haven't seen them since I left two years ago" she shares freely but her expression changes to surprise and amusement. her lip curls, a giggle floating into the air "Pelican! that's actually... very cute, @Vysemala" it was no different than females and males naming their children after gods, stories and other words. "but I can see the other children wondering why, yes!" she snorts gently "I'll be there at the ceremony when they're old enough. I hope they pick good names." a last purr was held, but certainly not the only one.

Willoughby would fade away, talking to Vysemala as they went. when it was time to leave each other's company, the bard would say a heartfelt farewell before moving to the new family den. /exit since thread is old we can do another!

10 exp - bard - learn family or pride's history (vysemala) - 2/2
10 exp - bard - share family history (to vysemala) - 2/2