Sandstone (SassySaber)

## Sandstone

**Sandstone** is a fan character of *I Hope So* made by SassySaber. Her design was made by CalicoPikachu.

## Summary

> *Sandstone is a very calm and patient lioness. She doesn't have much desire to join a pride and instead ventures from land to land, often making friends with Travellers and pride lions alike. She is amicable towards those who appear lost or helpless, all she asks is for a little kindness in return.*
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## Background

Sandstone actually encountered the Golden Grove pride in the past when Merry was still king. She immediately fell for the kind king and also developed feelings for his Queen, Clever. While Merry seemed to return her affections, her feelings for Clever were destined to remain unrequited. However, Sandstone and Clever became quite good friends. Even though she loved Merry and Clever dearly, Sandstone still felt the urge to travel and see the world. Sandstone promised to always return to the Golden Grove for visits but she would never settle down anywhere.

However, during one of her many journeys away from the Golden Grove, Sandstone realized that she was pregnant with Merry’s child. Before she was able to return to the grove to share the news with Merry and Clever, Sandstone learned that Merry had died and a new king and queen ruled the Golden Grove. Sandstone learned from other Travellers that the new king was most unfriendly to Travellers and decided that it was best for her and her future litter to stay away from the Golden Grove. Devastated, Sandstone then traveled far, searching for a safe place to raise her cub. It was hard to hunt while pregnant with no one to help her, but she kept going. It was while she was crossing a small desert that she finally collapsed from hunger and exhaustion.

When she came to, the first thing she saw was the silhouette of a lion. This lion seemed extremely concerned, but relieved that she was awake. He introduced himself as Brilliant and told her that he found her collapsed in the middle of the desert and carried her to an oasis. He shared some of his food with her and asked if there was anything else he could do to help. Sandstone was touched by this kind lion’s help and asked if he would like to travel with her. Brilliant happily agreed. Life was easier with Brilliant by her side. She finally had someone to talk to again and someone to share her troubles with. As time passed, Sandstone found herself falling for Brilliant. He had the kindness of Merry and the sharp wit of Clever and a special softness that was all his own. Brilliant was a balm to the wounds on her heart. One night, Sandstone told Brilliant of her feelings. A look of joy came to Brilliant’s face and he told her that he returned her feelings. From that day on, they were even closer than before.

Of course, Sandstone eventually gave birth to a litter of cubs. A beautiful male cub that strongly resembled Merry that she later named Geode, a fluffy male cub that she named Amethyst, and a spunky female cub she named Sapphire. Brilliant was overjoyed and helped Sandstone raise him just as though they were his own cubs. Often she would see the four of them cuddled together with Brilliant telling the cubs a story. After some time had passed, Sandstone again became pregnant, this time with Brilliant’s cub. This cub was a girl that later was named Lilypad. Brilliant was the happiest that could ever be and Geode, Amethyst, and Sapphire were excited to be older siblings. The six of them traveled together for years until Geode eventually found a mate himself, but he still returned to check on his family regularly.

## Trivia

* Name meaning:
	+ Sandstone: *"Sedimentary rock consisting of sand or quartz grains cemented together, typically red, yellow, or brown in color."*
* If Sandstone was...
	+ ...in Golden Grove, her name would be "Patient."
	+ ...in Red Stone, her name would be "Marigold."
	+ ...in Edge's Kingdom, her name would be "Sunspot."

## References

1. ↑ https://toyhou.se/10898555.sandstone