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Sleep. It was hard to come by these days. When the cubs were awake, Fireheart had to be. When they were sleeping, she had to go out to do her duties for the pride. And sometimes, like today, she got done a bit early. She gave Vodnitvar the all clear to swap places and, once he left, she curled up beside her cubs. Sea foam eyes fell shut and her breathing began to even out just as one little cub began to stir.

Fireheart heard the whisper and sighed softly. "If I answer no, will you believe me?" she asked, not opening her eyes just yet to see how Asker would react. It would be silly to think that she was actually asleep still, but they were still young cubs. They were allowed to think silly things.

Fireheart had to smile just a bit as she sensed Asker's disappointment. When he finally caught on, though, she opened her eyes to look down at the blue cub. She was always taken aback at how much he looked like his father. Indeed, they were almost carbon copies...save for the flaming orange fur on his head and tail. That he had her to thank for.

"Of course, Asker," she said softly as she lifted her head, curling her paws around her middle child. She had had five cubs and this blue boy was the third to arrive. There was the saying that the middle cubs were always most ignored, but she was confident that Vodnitvar wouldn't let that happen, at least. Not to his near twin.

"What would you like to know?"

Fireheart waited patiently for Asker to come up with a question. She remembered what it was like being a cub, how frustrating it was that she couldn't do what she wanted when she wanted to do it. But she was also incredibly grateful to her mother for the manner in which she had been raised, finding it a fine way to do so.

She smiled as Asker finally thought of a question to ask. All her cubs seemed to be curious about exploring, for which she was grateful. There were lazy cubs that had no interest in learning and, while her cubs were not all as rambunctious as she had been, they certainly weren't lazy.

"Outside the den is many things," she said softly so as not to disturb her sleeping cubs. "It is fun, but can also be dangerous for little cubs. Your father and I wanted you to grow a bit so you could face those dangers a bit easier. Once you are all a bit bigger, you will be allowed to go out and roam."

The large lioness chuckled as she watched Asker's eyes widen at the mention of danger. Yes, he was her son all right. When she was his age, she had been similarly interested and even obsessed with protecting her family from danger.

"Many things, Asker. There are dangerous animals, nature can be very dangerous as well. You can even be a danger to yourself if you try to climb a rock that is too big or swim without someone else around. But don't be worried by that. Your father and I will give you all the tools an training you'll need to survive."

Fireheart leaned down to nuzzle her blue boy, licking his little tuft out of habit. "And I saw that look in your eye. Don't worry your little head. You and your siblings will be allowed outside in just a few more days. You're growing physically and mentally very well."

"All kinds," Fireheart said, feeling the little cub move around on her back. "And yes, fighting will be part of it. Also hunting, playing, swimming, meeting new lions, having good manners...there's lots to be trained in. But I promise all of it will be fun." Well, as long as Asker took after her.She had relished learning everything she could from anyone she could when she was younger, whether it was how to pounce or how to act like a Gypsy Lady should.

"You're very full of questions today," she added, reaching up to tug the little cub down between her paws. "Perhaps your Gypsy name should be Riddler," she teased, leaning down to lick the fiery tuft of fur on top of his head. "All these questions in your mind...but they're very good ones. A curious cub grows into a strong, smart adult, you know."

Fireheart smiled slightly as Asker's face twisted into one of confusion. Ah, the cubs still had so much to learn. She knew they'd grow up fast, though, and she wanted to enjoy these moments when they were still so small and innocent.

"You do have a name. A very nice name at that," she said with a nod. "But that is your true name. Asker is what you will be called by your brothers and sisters, by your father and myself, by any close friends or future mate you may take. It is for those who are closest to you to know, and that is all. Your gypsy name will be given to new friends, strangers, rouges, or if you travel to anyone you may meet. And, you get to pick your own gypsy name," she said with a little grin. That was always the exciting part for the young ones.

"For instance...you know me as mother or mom, and your father as dad, but I call him Vodnitvar and he calls me Ugomvi when we are alone. Those in the pride will call him Straw Dog and will call me Fireheart. Does that make sense?"

How did you choose. Fireheart had to smile very slightly. Chaska had asked her the exact same thing.

"Well...there's no defined way to do it. You'll find that lots of lions have very different gypsy names. Sometimes they're named after something like...magpies or mountains. I picked my name when I was a little older than you. I had a very hot head when I was little and would get very protective of my family. So protective and riled up that it felt like my chest was on fire. Now I know that's passion, but when I was little I was sure my heart was on fire. So, Fireheart."

She leaned down to nudge her nose against Asker's cheek. "But don't feel rushed into picking a name. It'll be with you your whole life, so make sure it's something you'll like. Something that defines you, sets you apart from the other lions."