Her time in Vermeda Brook had come to an end. Although she had not been the most active of characters in the social events, she knew well enough that her existence posed a threat to anyone in the pride. Despite her best attempts to cause absolutely no trouble for them, her genetics had failed her and she was certain they would be glad to be rid of her once and for all. Calder had left again as well, so any reason to stay was gone. She didn't know where she would go, only that she needed to leave. Septima called softly for a leader, hoping things would be easy. @Cassandra ♔

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She had been busy in the aftermath of the challenge for the Lagoon. Making sure her own wounds healed properly, checking in on those who had been injured and talking over with Revna what to do about the chaos that had occurred at that challenge. She hadn't wanted to bring more trouble to the Brook with the other prides in the land than they already had. And yet, chaos had broken out between the Brook and the Bluffs - something she'd wanted to avoid as much as she could.

She had finally settled down to relax for a few when a call rang out through the Brook for her or Revna. Mentally groaning, Cassandra pushed herself to her paws once again. What on earth could be so important it couldn't wait until things calmed down? she thought to herself as she padded in the direction of the call.

To her surprise, it was @Septima. "Septima - what can I do for you?" She asked, trying to keep an upbeat tone and hide her tiredness from cleaning up after the chaos of the challenge. The pride didn't need to know her struggles.

text. "Speech."

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Ah, there she was. Septima found herself shifting uncomfortably, always feeling as though @Cassandra ♔ looked down upon her every move. She supposed she couldn't blame her, but the Miroslav didn't find it a comforting thought. Perhaps that was as much of a reason as any that she wanted to take her leave. Septima knew she needed to handle things appropriately. "I wanted to thank you for what you and Aquila did for me at the challenge," she began, rhythmically curling and uncurling her tail. "Since then, I've had some time to think and.. well, I feel terrible you were put in that position to begin with. I fear continuing to house me will only serve to bring further targets to Vermeda, and from what Talisa told me when I initially joined, the Brook is a place of sanctuary." She paused here, hoping the message was clear enough. "For the safety of you and your family, I am requesting my release from the ranks. I plan on meeting up with my uncle and seeing what he plans on doing." Septima didn't know how Cassandra would react, but she hoped it would be short and sweet.

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An ear would flick as @Septima thanked her for what she and Aquila had done at the challenge. There was no need for thanks - she would jump to the defense of any of those who called the Brook home if they were being threatened, regardless of who they were. While she had had little interaction with Septima before the pride challenge, she was still a member of the Brook and was under her protection.

"I would've done the same for anyone else who calls the Brook home. Under the banner of the Brook, every member is under my protection." Cassandra said simply, flicking her tail as she spoke. Protecting those who called the Brook home was part of the duties she held as its leader - it was expected of her.

Septima would continue to speak, and it didn't really surprise the fluffy Queen that she wanted to leave based off of what she had said. "If you wish to leave, I will not hold you here. The Brook has always been free for those who call it home to leave at will. No one here is a prisoner." Cassandra said, flicking her dark ear again. "I'm sure my mother told you as much when you initially joined the Brook." She added.

If Septima wanted to leave, then who was she to stop her from doing so?

text. "Speech."

Art by Drifty | Code by Zodiac

Septima knew the protection hadn't been personal, but it still felt a bit uncomfortable to hear it. The Miroslav wasn't entirely sure what praise the queen wanted to hear about her fulfilling her duties, so she simply nodded and cleared her throat a bit. Eventually came the release and Septima nodded her head again, happy there wouldn't be any issues with her sudden departure. Truth be told, she would have left sooner if she'd felt there was a safe place for her to go, but now with Prometheus she felt it was time. "Thank you, Cassandra. I appreciate it." The lioness smiled and turned, slipping away from the territory. exit

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