The female labored over her job of nanny to the cubs. She knew she was essentially their mother but she couldn’t help but wish they could show that they knew their real mother was mother. She had been raised in a different environment, so some things were a bit of a stretch to what she was used to. But she knew that she could get over it. After all it was only a matter of just relaxing and accepting things. She enjoyed the little girls running around her paws and she felt proud to consider them hers. As the only nanny of the pride, she wondered if there would ever be a time she would be a bit overwhelmed. She didn’t think so, but that was mainly because there was only one litter here currently. Sometimes the goddess Tari would come around with the little Bumblebee looking cub Glittyr. But for now only one litter kept her on her paws. And the Lady of the Paw was a great title for a female, and Bia was essentially, raising the Lady’s cubs.
Looking down at her paws, she saw the sleeping white and blue form of Aquaria. Aqua was a favorite of hers, if only for her cuddly nature. Bia had been hurt, used, and broken many times in her life.. and Aqua showed her love that she hadn’t known from anyone else. With a purr, she leaned over to lick the cheek of the little female. Aquaria lifted her head groggily, her bright blue eyes glittering as they sparkled in the moonlight. Bia smiled a proud smile.
“Good morning, young miss.” She responded. Though she knew that it wasn’t morning, it was close enough. Midafternoon really meant nothing to her. With a lift of her head she closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. Once she felt s he had relaxed enough her eyes flickered open again, and rested back on the ivory pelt of the female cub. Aquaria had been born with five little sisters and two little brothers. Not that she would ever really remember her brothers. They had been taken off into the world of the Pirates. Katerina hadn’t been too thrilled with them having to leave her, but such was policy and she was not one to deviate from it. Though Bia knew that she had unofficially claimed Dvaji as her consort. She had mentioned him once or twice, with nothing but kindness in her eyes at his name.
“Good morning, sister.” The cub responded, standing so that she could stretch out her paws. With a smile, she headbutted the older lioness with affection. She had a fondness for Bia, that she didn’t feel for much anyone else. Not even her own mother, who.. well.. she was supposed to call her “Sister” too. She was much less a mother now that the cubs were at the weaned stage. Though Aquaria aspired to be like her Sister-Mother. She was strong, and brave, and one of the brave warriors of the pride. Marina was quite fond of her herself, and Aquaria wondered about the history of the two. Kat and Marina were two of the eldest members of the pride. She made a mental note to ask Katerina about it someday.
“Its about time we go and see about your training.” Sir’Bia purred, nudging the little cub once more as she raised herself from her lying position. She stretched out her paws, trying to get herself ready to move. She had been in the same position for a bit of time..and her muscles had seemed to have locked into place. Her tail lashed out behind her, and she motioned for the cub to follow.
“Come dear.” She commanded. She knew the other cubs were asleep in their den, and she would go and fetch them as well. They all needed to be here for this lesson. Not that she was teaching it, but she knew that Katerina had asked her to bring them to the training grounds before nightfall. Bia was not the type to upset Katerina for being late. She didn’t want to upset anyone, but least of all the warrior Lady.
“Sister, do you think that Sister Katerina would tell me stories of her past? Ive always wanted to know.. and Ive always wanted to be like her.” She said, puffing out her chest with pride. She narrowed her eyes and a grin came on her features as she wiggled a bit.
“I think id be a mighty warrior!”
Chuckling, the blue lioness leaned over to lick her cheek. “I think youd be an amazing warrior my dear.” Though she had never shared her past with the cubs, she knew that that was something she likely never would tell them. She had been raped, abused, and now she was feeling increasingly odd. It wasn’t pleasant, and she liked to try to push it out of her head as much as she could. She wrote it off as being near cubs so young, her mother instincts were kicking in. Though her survival instincts had always been greater than any other instinct.
The cub giggled, pushing at the older lioness with a grin. She chuckled and watched the little white and blue cub dart around her paws, and Bia stepped carefully. She was a good, sweet girl. She was strong though, she could tell. It was a great feeling, knowing that she was raising the Lady of the Paws girls. Though Katerina had given birth to two boys as well, it was obvious that they had been given up to the Pirates like old lore told. Cubs around here weren't common, and perhaps thats why no one really knew if the males really went to the pirates, except for Katerina. She didn't say much about it, though she knew that Kat was the one who was supposedly giving them up.
"Come child, it is time for us to return back to the den. I wouldn't want you to get in trouble for not being home with the Lady returns to see you."
Aquaria pouted, but she nodded.
"Yes ma'am. I suppose I should be home for the ladys return as well." And turning around, Bia promptly ushered the girl back home.
