Welcome to Gaia! ::

Samudranta hadn't asked to be Queen. To be entirely honest, she had no earthly idea why she, of all of her siblings - full and half - had been chosen. Her mother had been frustratingly vague as to her reasons once Sam had finally gotten up the courage to ask her, leaving the young lioness to wonder if there truly was a good reason. She wanted to think that there was, given that her mother was a seer, but doubt crept in the corners of Samudranta's usually lively, cheerful mind.

To clear it, she decided to go for a walk, breathing deep of the morning air. It was a bright day, a beautiful day, and she should not fret so. Lending credence to what she told herself, a song drifted to her on the breeze. The splotchy female smiled and turned to follow the lovely sound, hoping to find its source.

Samudranta moved with sure but eager steps, purple ears cast forward as she looked for the singer. Her singing made it easy to follow and find her, and Sam was delighted with what she found. Not only was she singing she was dancing! And clearly enjoying it all quite thoroughly. Loathe to interrupt her joyous moment, the Queen stood and watched, quiet and appreciative.

...but also feeling a bit guilty for snooping on the other lioness. Should she stay and wait until she had finished, announce herself, or simply leave her to enjoy herself in peace?

Well, evidently her indecision had made up her mind for her. Whoops. Oh well! She did feel a little bad, but...but she was still excited for the chance to get to know this lioness better! Unfortunately, unlike her mother, she was pretty rubbish with names. How Khara seemed to always remember everyone's, she had never been able to figure out.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you." Samudranta looked a bit sheepish herself, but quickly smiled. "You weren't bothering me at all, far from it! I was rather enjoying it, actually."

"That sounds familiar. I still miss it sometimes, being somewhere else. Not that I'd actually rather be somewhere else!" she was quick to amend, wary of sounding as though she didn't like being home. She did! But she missed the freedom, and the sea. Especially the sea. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ryuuko! I'm Samudranta, but you can just call me Sam."

"I suppose that must be part of it. I saw so much, but I can't help but think of all the things I didn't see. It was tempting to just...keep exploring, keep experiencing the world." Samudranta sighed wistfully. "But I missed my family. Staying away wouldn't have felt right."

"Yeah, that would be me," she admitted with a wry grin.

"A war?" Samudranta's eyes widened at the other lioness's words. "How awful! I can't imagine such a thing would happen here." The only violence they had seen had been years ago, and the work of a lone lion. It didn't seem plausible that war could visit the peaceful pride.

"Thank you. I hope so, too. We've had more than enough...excitement."

Before she could say more, the Queen turned her head, ears flicking forward at the sound of a distant voice calling her name, and sighed. "And that would be my aunt. So much for running away." Sam gave a small smile. "It was a pleasure speaking with you, Ryuuko...and hearing your song. I hope we can speak at greater length sometime."