A simple answer- almost disappointingly so- came in response to her question. She didn’t let the disappointment show on her face though, a careful mask was kept into place to hide the fact that she was growing dangerously close to bored with the conversation. There was an opening made however as the conversation turned back to herself. She’d written so many stories about others, but the story of her was of course the one she was most familiar with. I come from far past the sandbar and deep inland- I’d only seen the sea for the first time a few moon cycles before I found this place, ironic that my home now resides along the shore isn’t it? she let her eyes drift off towards the ocean, trying to peer through the fog that ever so slowly was beginning to burn off as the sun made its way overhead. We don’t have anything as exciting as a queen there, those with knowledge share it and guide us all. We called them the elders, although not all of them were all that old. she shrugged. @Aphrodite Bard +10 learn a pride or family’s history (learned that the CC sovereigns weren’t born in the pride) 2/2

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In truth, Aphrodite was grateful for the subject change. She didn't normally share her personal life with others who had not already been apart of it. Her ears twisted, listened to @Rose speak about where she came from. Of how she had only seen the sea once before finding her home beside it. A chuckle escaped Aphrodite's jaws as she would nod her head, You and me both. I never expected to settle beside the sea but I'm grateful I did. It's a beautiful view to look at in the mornings. Or at night. Just to sit at the beach side and watch the stars begin to come through the dark sky. It was beautiful, especially when the sky was clear and the moon was nowhere to be seen. Violet jewels scanned the area before looking back to Rose. Sometimes the best wisdom won't come from those older than you. Sometimes you can learn from the younger generation.

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She murmured a brief, wordless sound of agreement as she let her eyes linger over the ocean. A wave of contentment was beginning to wash over her. She'd been so eager to leave home - or at least the lions that made her nomadic pride feel like home- to quest for adventure and knowledge. She'd assumed that once she left she'd travel the entire world ten times over and never run out of places to go or things to see. It was strange then, sitting there on the rocky ledge with a near stranger watching the ocean mist disparate as the morning slowly ticked by that a feeling of peace was taking over. She had no desire to keep moving at that moment. This place, this Caladan Cove, was growing on her dawn by dawn an day by day, bringing a sense of grounding and ease to her travelers soul. Would it last? Maybe, who really knew what tomorrow might bring, but for now she was content just to sit and linger. A twitch of her ear and a nod were the only signs that she'd caught what @Aphrodite had said before she responded Wise words from a wise queen. Evolution favors the young and those that embrace new ideas, not those that cling to outdated ways. A bird's shrill cry caused her to turn her head for a moment before she looked back at the other lioness. Still, its also important to honor ones traditions and histories. she said.

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It seemed that @Rose was in agreement with what she was saying. To know that new ways could still help the family grow compared to the older generation holding on to what could not be improved. But, even Aphrodite was in her own agreement with what was stated by the bard beside her. And that is something I can agree on. Traditions are important but can always be improved with the growing generations and new family members. Unless the lion's family was just set in their ways and would never change it. There were families out there that were set in their ways and would not budge from it, and she could understand that.

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Hmm she hummed, content with the moment as she hugged the cliff side and enjoyed the company of @Aphrodite and reassurance of her words that suggested she’d ended up in a pride ruled by someone with a good head at least. A yawn escaped her as she continued to gaze off at nothing in particular, And what traditions do you hope your own children will carry? she asked. Hopefully it wasn’t to forward of a question, but surely the queen had thought about the future lives that were nearing their arrival inside of her. What sort of lions would they grow to become? Would they be good in actions and deeds? Would they be generous or gluttonous? A parent played a vital role in molding her children, but they could only do just that -mold them, not change the very substance from which they were made. One could not turn stone to water or water to fire. Bard +5 discuss culture (1/2)

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The question about traditions were turned on her and Aphrodite raised an eyebrow towards @Rose before she would give her answer. I plan to bring new traditions to my family, as well as some old from a family my grandmother was a part of. She would admit. Did she want to go into detail about what those traditions were exactly? Would Rose enjoy them or think that they were to barbaric for the world that she was apart of. Ears twisted on top of her ears as she glanced over the cliff's edge and watched the beach from afar. My traditionos are more barbaric than most but not cruel.

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Eyes drifted back to the other woman as @Aphrodite turned to gaze out over the seas that framed her kingdom. Based on her words it would seem that Rose had been correct, she had indeed thought about the future lives of her cubs, who they would be sculpted and cultivated into and what traditions she’d like to impress upon them. At the word barbaric she raised an eyebrow, her tail flicking lazily across the stone. Traditions seen as barbaric to outsiders are often simply misunderstood. she said with a shrug, we don’t have to agree with someone else’s traditions for them to be important to that family. What do you consider barbaric, and yet still important to teach your children? she questioned, comfortable that Aphrodite would share with her if she desired to share specifics, or that she’d simply find a way to change the subject to excuse herself if not. It made no difference to Rose to be honest. As curious as she was about what traditions she was speaking about she already felt she’d taken much from their conversation already. It was one thing going over rules and regulations on their way back from the passage on her first joining, and another thing entirely causally passing the morning without talks of official pride matters. Bard +5 discuss culture (2/2)

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The way @Rose spoke about barbaric traditions and how they could be brought about by misunderstanding, caused Aphrodite to hum at the very thought of it. A nod even coming from her head as she would soon listen to the question and Aphrodite would chuckle, glancing over towards Rose once again. My children will know that in order to get what they want they have to earn it. My children will fight to earn the family name. And if they wish to become one of the leaders once I am gone they will have to fight for it as well. Nothing will be handed to them. Granted there was much more to be said but Aphrodite was not going to go into to much detail about it. Those were topics for another time. Many will see that as barbaric, that my children must fight to earn their keep. I see it as a teaching lesson.

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She listened closely as @Aphrodite opened up and explained her meaning. A wave of understanding, and quite frankly respect, washed over her as she offered a smile, True, I’m sure some would call that barbarically. she acknowledged before continuing, but to others it might just sound like you intend to raise a next generation of capable leaders who actually want to lead, not mewling little princesses and princelings. she shrugged. I know which I’d prefer as a leader. she had no desire to lead herself, but the idea that Aphrodite was preparing to raise the next generation and had a chance to creating something that was greater than the whole of its upbringing? That was something to be envious of. She’d never thought much of having children if her own. The idea of providing for another being while traveling day in and day out did not appeal to her. Perhaps though if she were to settle long enough on those costal shores though? It didn’t strike her as a bad place to usher in the next generation. Who else would carry on the stories she were so vigorously collecting?

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It was nice to know that @Rose understood what she was trying to do and teach her children and even her grandchildren; yes she thought that far. And the compliment that came afterwards caught her off guard. Well, I appreciate that and I appreciate that you understand what I am trying to do. And she really did appreciate it. To know that someone could understand the logic behind what she was trying to do for the future of her family and perhaps the Cove if she was still residing here. To know that someone understands that her children would not be raised as entitled spoiled brats but potential leaders in the making. Which gave her an idea. You like to tell stories, correct?

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