Chapter Text
The ever growing Pride assembled in a collective below the large rock formation that served as both the pride leader's den, and the perch of which the leader would speak from. Some mumbled in hushed tones, while others spoke more brashly. The pride's second in command, Thistlestalk, could be seen resting nearby in the shade of a tree, idly licking at his large paws.
Eventually, a hush fell through the crowd as first, Skypetal -- the pride's healer -- emerged, alongside Sandstar.
It was the start of a new year, which meant new patrols would be assigned, whether hunting or otherwise. There was a sort of tension in the gathered pride that reeked not of fear, but rather, excitement and anticipation. They were all eager to get to work. They'd hated the colder weather, and the exceeding time spent in camp, twiddling paws and wishing for the first thaw of ice. Thankfully, no one would have to wait too long for their new roles. Sandstar had never been one to keep them on the edges of their seats... for too terribly long, anyways.
"Firstly," rumbled the leader, fur ruffling up against a breeze that drifted by. "I'd like to thank you all for your patience, dedication, and loyalty to our Pride. Without you, we wouldn't have made it nearly as far as we have today."
The pride responded with various purrs, chirps, and hums, assenting they heard and appreciated Sandstar's kind and well deserved words. He lifted his tail, briefly, and the crowd fell quiet once more.
"This is the start of a new era for our Pride. And as such, new roles and such must be assigned. We've been very fortunate to have accepted the official joining of many new pridemates. You are the lifeblood that allows us to thrive, thank you for leaving your homes and joining us here. We assure you, though it may seem scary, troublesome, or hectic, you will settle in with time. Know you have your pridemates here for support, should you need it."
A few dipped their heads, and a russet lioness dropped her head, giving her chest fur a few embarrassed licks, while a grey lion gently bumped her shoulder, giving her silent support.
"Right, I won't keep you in suspense any longer. Your new duties, as assigned by Skypetal." he stood, paced back a few steps, dipping his head to his mate as she passed.
The piebald lioness perched a good foot or so back from the ledge of the meeting rock, her tail curling neatly around her paws. Her posture was relaxed, but exuded confidence and power, and her movements were nothing short of graceful.
"Hunting patrols first." She decided with finality, and a few in the crowd shuffled their paws. "The first, lead by Honeyjaw, will be the Sunrise Hunters. Mistshadow, Brookshade, Swanwillow, and Ivywind. You'll join her."
Several heads swiveled towards Mistshadow, the lead hunter in the pride, but she looked nothing short of satisfied with Skypetal's decision. Perhaps even a little pleased.
"Next, the Sunset Hunters. Springdusk," She nodded to a spotted lioness. "You'll lead. Followed by Rubbleheart, Quailspeck, Thrushfeather, and Rumbleshine."
The twins, Quailspeck and Thrushfeather, took a brief moment to exchange a nuzzle. They worked well in a pair, scarily well. They almost never came back without a catch.
"The Dusk Hunters. Emberheart, you'll lead until your retirement. After which, Shadowsong will take over. Lightblossom, Fawnpoppy, and Greystorm, you'll join them."
The healer nodded to Honeyjaw, who nodded back and gathered her patrol with a flick of her tail. They were gone within moments, sprinting their way out of camp and into the territory. No time to waste with so many mouths to feed.
"Next, patrollers. Frostpelt, Kestrelthaw, Pinebranch, Plumrunner, Robinflight, Roseflight, Shroudedbird, Snowwillow, Sootpoppy, Tallsong, and Wildblaze. You will be our patrollers. Unlike the hunters, you will not be forced into groups. I hope you can work out well enough on your own who works with who on which shift. Should you have any issues, defer first to Roseflight. Should you continue to have problems, go to Mistshadow, she'll sort you out."
Skypetal swiveled her gaze around the rest of the gathered Pride, her blue eyes settling on a few lions in particular. "As for the rest of you.. Birdsplash, Daisytail, Sagenose, and Fallenbreeze, come with me. Thistlestalk,"
The male froze at the sound of his voice, an ear flicking as he looked towards the healer, a bit of fear in his eyes.
"Cub duty."
Thistlestalk groaned, but heaved himself to his paws and shuffled off anyways to attempt to handle rowdy cubs.