(Takes place shortly before Asce & his sibs go off to find their names.)
Ninon groomed her newest son, nuzzling the black and white boy. She was immensely glad Pwani had been kind enough to stay just outside the borders of the pride while the cubs grew. Ninon herself could not nurse. And Pwani, bless the girl's soul, had been kind enough to raise Rêvez as a 'nephew' so far, with Ninon visiting often with her own cubs so they could meet their new 'Aunt' and 'cousins'. She'd even given the naming of him to Ninon. And now...now the boy was old enough to stop relying on mother's milk. Barely, but it was necessary.
So now he was home. She purred, quite content.
Rêvez liked his new home. There was lots of water, and plants, and places to explore and observe! All sorts of things to learn about! And his Mama encouraged his learning! Oh how glad he was to be home, rather than with his Aunt Pwani. He loved her but...she wasn't the same as his Mama! His Mama was gentle and kind and Knew things.
He snuggled up to his Mama, purring away like only a little cub could do.
Asce was ready. He really was. He swore he was! He made his way to his mother, taking deep breaths. No need to worry...eh? The adolescent blinked and tilted his head. And smiled excitedly. OHOHOH! He knew that scent! It meant his little brother had come home! And just in time, too! Since he and Nori and Namiko were getting ready to leave. They could say goodbye before they went to find their names! He trotted happily over to his mother and little brother.
"Mama! Is he home for good?"
Ninon looked up and smiled at her 'eldest' son. "Yes, dearheart. Rêvez is home. He doesn't need milk anymore, and I thought it best you and your sibs get to spend some time with him at home. Arden especially." Since Arden would be leaving them for good.
The black and white cub looked up at his brother with big red eyes...then smiled and moved to nuzzle the older lion. "I'm home, Brother Asce!" He loved his siblings, too! And his mother had said they'd be going on their Name Quests soon, and that Arden was going to go someplace important! (But he wasn't supposed to tell Arden that.)
The older male chuckled and nuzzled Rêvez back. "Welcome home, little brother. You'll be good for Mama while me and your siblings are away, right? A proper little gentleman?" He knew manners and the like were important to their mother. He tried to keep his as impeccable as possible, too!
Ninon laughed softly and watched her sons, smile on her face. This was how it should be. And just before Rêvez left on his own Naming Quest, she'd make sure she had little siblings for him to promise to return to.
Rêvez nodded vigorously. "Of course, Brother Asce! I will be a very good boy for Mama!" He licked Asce's cheek. "And you come home soon! So Mama doesn't have to worry for long." Even though his mother Knew things...even she worried. He'd seen it in her eyes before. One day, he'd be old enough to ask her 'why'.
Asce lay down to curl around his brother. "Good! And I'll be back as soon as I have my adult name." He looked to his mother. "You know I'll back soon as I can, right Mama?"
Ninon nodded. "I do, dearheart." She reached a paw out to touch his cheek. "But be careful, nonetheless. The spirits do not show me everything." Life would be no surprise, not truly LIFE if they did, so she did not really mind.
Rêvez snuggled into the warmth of his brother, letting he and Mama have their talk. He was just happy to be home and with his brothers and sisters before they left.
Asce nodded. "I will be careful, Mama." He had to be. He wanted to come home in one piece, with a little wisdom and his true name. He leaned down to whisper to his brother. "Take care of Mama while I'm gone, mmkay? I'll give Auntie Pwani your love when I leave."
The lioness smiled and lay her head down, satisfied with that answer. This was how things should be. The only thing that would make her happier...is if Arden didn't have to leave, and if Fleance could be by her side...
Rêvez nodded. "I will, Brother Asce. I'll take good care of Mama." He was a good boy! Even if his adventures in the name of 'knowing' left him a bit muddy at times.
"Good." Asce licked the top of Rêvez's head, then settled to just enjoying the company of his baby brother and mother. He would miss this. But...he didn't want to be a child forever.
