Leona flashed her brother a large grin as he came to stand beside her.  Leonaar was nervous and timid,  no doubt, having been affected by the constant attention of the day.  She let her tail reassuringly pat his backside as she continued to devote her attention to her father.  With his back straight and his day-armor on, he loomed over both of his children.  Leona had always wished to be taller, like her father.  She wondered, absent-mindedly, when Leonaar was going to go through another growth spurt and meet his father's frame.<br/><br/><strong>“I have been very hard at work, my daughter. There are many preparations to be made, and perfecting them has been my highest priority. As of now, you may not understand the true importance of this ceremony or the responsibilities that may befall either you or Leonaar, but you will once one of you gains possession of the Sword of Omen."</strong><br/><br/>Leona's tail flicked behind her with mild annoyance.  The Sword of Omen may as well have been called the 'Sword of Doomsday' to the young princess.  While the Sword remained an integral part of of the Thundercat's throne, it was not often mentioned to the royal twins as they grew up.  Perhaps because everyone knew there could only be one wielder.  It was easier when they were younger because the civilians always expected the gentle Leonaar to wield the sword, but when Leona proved to be far more proficient in combat, tension began to build up.  Leona pushed past the vile<em>gossip</em>as she grew up, only seeking to focus on her duty to her Kingdom.  Times were different now, though.  The lioness had many more options  than before and she was constantly turning them over in her head.  No matter what happened, she knew she'd have the reassurance of her family and counsel.<br/><br/>For now she would let her wise King guide the young heirs, in any manner he deemed best.  King Leomedes had been deemed worthy of the Sword and had seen the Eye of Thundera, so Leona was comfortable with her father's decisions.  Hopefully the Eye of Thundera favored one of the twins, because in the case that it did not...<br/><br/>"I'm sure great responsibility will follow both Leonaar and I, despite the Sword of Omen, papa," she chimed as King Leomedes verbally chastened Leonaar on his mane.   Leonaar seemed only slightly affected though.<strong> "Today is sure to be an eventful one eh sister?" </strong><br/><br/>Leona nodded in reply, but mentally kept the idea of the Ceremony at bay.<br/><br/>"Is there anything that your Majesty or the General wishes of us?" She could use something to do before she had to change into her ceremonial armor and be placed under the spotlight.  She figured Leonaar could use some distracting too.