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It was hot. That was all that could be said about the day. Steam seemed to rise from just about every living body, be it feline or insect. Those with darker complexions had it worst, and they all camped out under trees or in the cool respite of the caves. Fireheart, however, sought relief in the cool pools of water that kept her home lush and green.

She waited until the heat of the day when most of the other lions and lionesses would be napping to make her move. She preferred to move during less active times of the day, enjoying the jungle noises and the solitude. As a Lady, she was spoken to fairly often and some personal quiet time was always welcome. Of course, she was never one to turn away from a fellow pride member if they approached.

Fireheart let out a content sigh as she waded into the cool water. That was much better. She moved out slowly until she could just barely touch before starting to paddle, using her large paws to drag her slightly uncoordinated body further into the pool. Swimming certainly wasn't her forte, but that didn't hold her back.

Fireheart made a small circle in the deeper area of the pool, thankful for the relief the cool water brought. She knew once she got out she'd be cool for a while, thanks to her fur staying soggy, but for the time being she would enjoy herself and the weightless feeling swimming brought on.

After a few minutes of splashing around, she noticed another member of her pride wading into the water as well. She moved in her direction after a few moments, giving her a small smile back. "Good afternoon," she said once she could stand. She was still about chest deep in the water, not terribly willing to leave the cool respite so quickly.

"How are you feeling?" Fireheart questioned after a moment. She recalled the white lioness was currently expecting cubs and, from her round form, they should arrive any day.

Fireheart nodded a bit and offered a small smile in Miw's direction. "I suppose I shouldn't complain when it's this hot. I'm not carrying around extra weight. Your cubs should be here any day now, correct?"

It was always exciting when new cubs were brought into the pride, especially when they were born on the pride's land. She had only recently become more in-tune with her mother's subjects and, despite her loner tendencies, did enjoy knowing about the people she protected.

"Do you know how many? Some mothers are able to tell from how they shift around once they reach a certain age."

"Ah...a new mother," Fireheart said with an understanding nod. Miw knew as much as she did about cub bearing then, it would seem. Fireheart wasn't sure she was a very maternal lioness, but as part of the royal line she almost felt it was her duty to have cubs at one point or another. Her mother would certainly enjoy them, and her siblings might like playing the part of aunt and uncle. Of course, finding the right lion would be a bit of a project.

"I wish you the best with your cubs once they arrive. I'm sure I'll get to know them sooner or later," she added as she moved forward a bit to shake her head free of water. Her fur fluffed out a bit around her cheeks and on the tuft on her head, but she didn't mind. "Do you hope they'll take after you more or their father?" She had a hard time keeping who was mated with who straight, but she knew that most mothers hoped for a nice mix between the parents.

Fireheart wasn't sure if she ever wanted cubs. They were a handful when there was even just one to look after. Imagine having five or six! She had seen some large litters around and just thinking about keeping track of all of those rambunctious cubs made her head hurt a bit. Of course, if she were to have cubs she'd be staying strictly within the pride. She wasn't terribly fond of the idea of rouge breeding - what if she needed help with the cubs, or something happened to her and the father wasn't there? - and she'd rather know what she might end up dealing with personality-wise. If she were to find a mate, he'd need to fit a very tight list of criteria that she was slowly compiling.

"I suppose they are at some point. I can only imagine the dedication this will take for you. I hope your cubs are well-behaved." There were a few she had seen that always ran away from their mothers and liked to cause mischief, which wasn't exactly frowned upon as a whole in this pride. She liked everything to have a place and to be in that place, though, and rambunctious cubs made her worried at times.

Fireheart nodded as Miw went with a mix of both, a small smile on her face. She was with her mate for a reason, of course, so having some cubs take after their father would probably be a joy. And she couldn't think of one lioness she had ever met that didn't want a little girl or boy that followed in their footprints. "Who is your mate?" she asked, wondering if it was a good thing to have a miniature of one of the more rowdy lions running around. Then again, she might be mated to one of the calmer, more practical lions in the pride.

Fireheart nodded slightly as Miw described the father of her cubs. "Yes, I've seen a large red lion around. He's a bit hard to miss, what with all the green around," she said with a light laugh.

She finally walked to the shore of the pond and shook herself dry. It was time to head out to the beach to make sure no cubs were trying to swim in the sometimes harsh ocean. "It's been lovely talking with you, Miw. I certainly hope your cubs are healthy and happy when they arrive." She bowed her head lightly in farewell before trotting off down the path that lead to the ocean.

(Last post from me)