Fierce licked his son's head. The newly named Restless let out sort of a purr, before scampering back to his mother, Creative.
The lionesses of Fiercepride were hurrying over, all except the elder, Clouded, who's eyes were hazy and unfocoused as usual.
Fierce watched as his mother Quick and her brother Dedicated gave Restless playful cuffs around the ear. Then as Playful, Sly's cub bounded over.
"Come on, Restless!"he calles to the cub, who was nearly drowning in praise,"Let's go for a walk,"
His club bounded eagerly after him.
They sat looking out over Bravelands, Fierce's black mane rippling in the wind.
"It's really beautiful, father,"Restless said after a moment's pause.
He stared at it for a second, then mumbled,"Yes, I suppose it is. I've not taken in it's full beauty for moons; my age would take it for granted,"
Restless smiled at him, and smiled back,"Restless, my son, I trust you know the code?"
His son's eyes widened at the unexpected change of subject,"I- yes, of course. 'Only kill to survive'."
"Yes, Restless. That is right. Never forget that. Do not hunt more than need be hunted. Do not attack unless threatened, not meaning provoked,"
"Do not hunt more than need be hunted. Do not attack unless threatened, not meaning provoked," Restless repeated,"Got it,"he hesitated a fraction of a second then whispered anxiously,"Father, what happens if the code is broken?"
Fierce nuzzled the prince,"You will loose your honour,"he growled, unsurprised that Restless had asked him.
"Oh, okay. I-"the cub was cut off by Fierce's growl as he spotted a large troop of lions trekking towards him.
They were all unfamiliar, exept from the large male at the front, who Fierce new but couldn't distinguish.
He stared at the Fiercepride as they approached, eyes wide with cautious shock.
Fierce glanced at the approaching lions, then back to his pride. Their hides were bristling with angry fear.
"It's Relentless,"his mother growled staring at the largest male.
"Relentless?"Fierce stared at Quick questioningly; the name ringed a bell, and when he heard it, he was reminded of being curled on the curve of his mother's belly.
"Fierce..."his aunt Clouded muttered, her eyes clear for once,"Fierce, it's time we told you everything,"