“The aura of my children emanated throughout their lands and it was that power that transformed the wombs of the female cats they encountered. Though those females would continue to breed among their own kind, as they always did, through the change in their bodies, the resulting offspring shared the form we possess today. They are the ancestors unequivocally shared by ever member of our people, save for myself, my mate, and our children. From them, every other member of our race was born and among those newly created ones, my children found their mates. My children were elected to lead their respective realms and thus began the lineage of the royal families of these lands.”

Once again, the revelations were met with silence, for once again, the tale of their beginning was far greater than any legend and completely beyond comprehension. An origin story exceeding belief, yet at once, completely believable. In fact, it explained everything. The birth of the first animalians, to the manner in which they began to flourish, to the conception of the royal families, there was an explanation for it all. …except.

“So,” Tange, the brilliant girl that she was, began, “that girl that saved her sister was…I mean…is a princess?”

The gentle lady smiled and shook her head. “No, only my firstborn children led their kingdoms. My mate and I produced many, many children throughout the years. They were happy to support their older siblings without yearning to sit upon the thrones, themselves. They found great joy in their lives. And, when they chose mates and made families of their own, that happiness was multiplied beyond measure. It is from them that that young girl’s power was drawn. Although, strictly speaking of bloodlines, she is as much a princess as any of the sitting monarchs across all these interwoven lands. If only she knew the depth of her lineage… But, as I said, history’s truth is often lost to those not a part of it.”

“…wow!” Tange breathed. “So, there are lots of princes and princesses that don’t even know they’re princes and princesses?”

The priestess smiled, in her motherly way. “Yes.” she said, knowing very well the heredity of the company she presently shared. “Now then,” she said, turning to Night, “I believe through answering this young one’s queries, I have answered yours, have I not?”