[PRP] Matters of Everything

[Meepfur]

As had started to become her habit, Jhulsa was spending her afternoon reclining on a high rock near the base of the mountain, one that gave her a good view of the surrounding area - and, more importantly, of anyone who happened to be in said surrounding area, doing whatever they were doing. Going out to hunt, coming back with or without game, doing all the little things everyone did from day to day. It was all utterly fascinating to her.

Neither your typical rambunctious cub or spoiled royal brat, she was content to observe rather than run amok; she was not, however, antisocial by any means. She was quite polite, though she didn't quite make it to 'warm and friendly.' Accordingly, when a red lioness passed by, the juvenile said simply, "Hello."

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NovaCracker

 

[Meepfur]

"I'm fine." Jhulsa paused after saying this, considering her answer after she'd already given it, but ultimately deeming that it was correct. It did accurately describe how she was, moreso than something 'good,' which would have been too strong for the emotionally-neutral youth. "And you?"

That was what she was supposed to say, and it was very rare that she did anything other than what she was supposed to. While she waited for a response, she licked the bottom of her paw and used it to smooth out the yellow tuft of hair on her head. Even at this young age, it was long enough to get in her eye, which never failed to be annoying.

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NovaCracker

 

[Meepfur]

"Watching," she answered matter-of-factly. "I like seeing what everyone does, it's interesting. Would you like to watch, too? I've asked the other cubs before, but they always get bored."

It was a pity, because she did like the company, and to talk about what she saw.

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NovaCracker

 

[Meepfur]

"Good." There was a hint of enthusiasm in her voice, and a smile ghosted across her features. "Mother says we're always learning. This is how I like to learn, watching and listening. I hope you don't mind if we talk while we watch."

Without waiting for confirmation, she continued to speak, "You've been outside." Outside, of course, meaning the world at large. Being an adult, this lioness had to have spent time there, whether on a quest or otherwise. "What's it like? What did you learn?"

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NovaCracker

 

[Meepfur]

"Mother told us that Grandmother Pili did that, a long time ago. I think someone must have done something really bad, but no one knows, and Grandmother won't tell me." Judging by the frown that pulled at Jhulsa's expression, this was very vexing to her. "I'll find out, though. One day."

"Thank you for telling me what you learned. I'll remember it."

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NovaCracker

 

[Meepfur]

"It can't be a secret forever. No one can keep a secret that long." She'd get it out of her grandmother someday, or find someone else who knew. Someone who'd tell her. It bothered her not only that it was a secret, but that no one else seemed bothered by it. Weren't they even curious?

"I'd like that." Before there could be any stories, though, Jhulsa squinted at a pale shape in the distance. "Oh, I think my sister's back from hunting. Maybe you could tell me a story tomorrow?"

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NovaCracker

 

[Meepfur]

"I already did. But I'll try again." If asking nicely didn't work...well, maybe she'd have to ask another way, or when she was older. She'd do whatever it took! In the meantime, she would learn whatever other things she could, including things about desert prides and giant lions. "I'll be here tomorrow. I'm always here."

"I will." No cheerful 'promise!' that some cubs would have spouted, just a level statement as she stood and stretched.

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NovaCracker