Falling in Love with the King of Beasts

ELIA

"It's good that you understand that a person's heart and mind are more important than their skills," Aymora said with an approving smile.

Elia wasn't sure she'd thought about it that deeply, but she understood that it was true, so she nodded.

"Who you'd choose should probably be influenced by who you intend to Champion. Though all will be expected to challenge you at times—to keep you humble, and to make sure your decisions bear up under scrutiny—you don't want people close to you who do nothing but fight. You'll have enough of that from the wolves."

There was a titter around the table and the woman, Huncer, muttered, "We've all had enough of that from the wolves," which just set the others chuckling more.

"So, tell us, Elia, what passion burns within you? What people or groups of people do you wish to help thrive in Anima?"

Elia let herself sink back in the chair. "I'm not sure I know enough… what do you mean by champion?"

Aymora looked like she was trying hard not to roll her eyes. "A champion is a patron—someone who supports and encourages others in their pursuits. For example, Reth's mother was a great hunter, so she championed the fur traders and jewelers. She helped set up apprenticeships for the young Anima, and brought attention to the best traders by wearing their furs and encouraging others to do the same. Reth's Grandmother was a wise-woman, but she championed the arts. She believed that through creative expression the Anima grew more bold, and enlightened. She was the one who began the traditions of the weekly readings, and many of her programs still exist today."

Elia swallowed hard. "That's… great. But do I have to do something that's associated with money? Or can I… give to people?"

Aymora tipped her head. "Give what?"

"Well, when you describe that, the first thing that comes to mind is that I would like to help Anima who are… less fortunate."

Aymora's face softened. "That is a beautiful thought, Elia, but you'll find a difference here from your human world: In Anima, no one goes hungry or lacks basic needs, no matter their standing in the people. We won't allow it. Our tribes and clans always provide."

Elia nodded. "That's wonderful. But what about… people who are different? Unaccepted? Shunned?"

The women around the table began to eye each other. Elia couldn't read their feelings.

"What brings this up?" Aymora asked quietly.

"Well, I'm very different. And it's come to my attention that there are those among the Anima who are also seen as different, or unacceptable in some way. It seems if I'm in a position of power, I could use it to help those people become more successful somehow?"

The woman Aymora had called Porsha spoke up. "What about education, then? Many of the Anima youth struggle during their schooling years. The children can be so ruthless. Perhaps you could aid those children who find themselves at the bottom of their packs?"

Elia forced a smile. "That's a good idea, for sure. And I think I'd like to do that. But I was more thinking about the adults—those who aren't learning and growing anymore, but who are just trying to live their lives and perhaps having a difficult time. The ones who maybe think they don't have much to offer?"

"That's a very fine goal, Elia, but I have to tell you, it may make some of the people uneasy. Are you prepared to argue your case to the people, and perhaps find barriers from those who are more close-minded? Are you willing to fight to gain assistance for whatever projects you decide to try? Because that kind of goal will divide the people around you."

"Why? Why would anyone have a problem with me helping those that are struggling?"

The women around the table all shifted in their seats and looked uneasy. Aymora thought for a moment. "I believe the humans call it, "survival of the fittest," she said carefully. "But it's a natural instinct for us: Those among us who lack—and do not make up for it with great strength in another area—they are a risk to the rest. A drain on resources, and a potential limitation to the bloodline. To build these individuals up may assist them as Anima, but it will not help the Pride, the people, as a whole."

"How can you know that? How can you know unless you try?"

Aymora looked at her firmly, but with warmth. "Because, Elia, those people have been kept to the outside of the pride, the packs, the herds for a reason. And that reason means that others will be very cautious about blending their bloodlines or livelihoods with someone who may end up costing, rather than helping them."

"That's a very brutal way to look at a person's life."

Aymora raised a single eyebrow. "One day we may have a discussion on the ruthlessness of the so-called justice-system in your world, Elia, but there is not time today. As Queen you are free to champion whatever, and whomever you wish. We only want you to understand how your proposal might be received. So, I ask you again, are you willing to fight for this cause? To work with your people to persuade them, and to be educated and assisted to better understand us through it?"

"Yes, of course."

Aymora nodded. "Then I will stand behind you in it," she said firmly, and looked at the other women.

And one by one—some with light in their eyes, others with sullen reluctance, they all made the same declaration.

"I will stand behind you in your endeavors."

And as Elia, startled, received these statements from each of them, she swallowed hard and pushed her shoulders back, and her chin up.

Reth had chosen her. If she was going to be here for the rest of her life, she was going to do it with a clear conscience. And she was going to fight so that no one had to go through what she was going through—rejected and suspected for things they didn't understand, or had no control over.

But as the conversation moved on from her Championing, to the feast, and how she would expected to dress and behave, Elia's mind kept turning back to this issue of the those within the Anima who were viewed with suspicion by the others.

And she thought she just might have an idea about how to begin chipping away at those prejudices.