This image represents what many now believe to be Lionelle's biological father.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The story of Lionelle’s first contact with the House is rather well-known. None can doubt her courage as she braved a desolate railroad in her journey to link up with House. None can also doubt the sheer generosity possessed by the House in her subsequent adoption. When Lionelle was found on the railroad tracks, it is said that a new star burst forth in the heavens. Such miracles have yet to be proven, however.

Following her adoption, however, members of the House struggled to establish anything concrete about her. No one knew her breed, her age, or even her gender. She was initially named Lionel, after the renowned rail corporation. It was only when she went into heat and terrorized Caudle, in response to the wanton cruelty he’d rained down upon her, that it was firmly established that she was, indeed, a female. Therefore, her official title became Lionelle, as in the Southern Belle of lions. The House, coincidently, had no idea how close they were to her true origin.

Fast forward a few years to a trip to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. by the ever-adventurous Nickle and Scooter where Lionelle’s true parentage may have been discovered. As the two adventurers approached the big cats section of the park, they were treated with a exceedingly loud display. One of the featured lions of the zoo, who’s stature can only be described as picturesque, seemed to recognize Nickle and Scooter and began howling uncontrollably.

“Did he say Lionelle?” Nickle asked.

“I believe so,” Scooter said.

It appeared that the lion knew of the House and its celebrated tenants and decided to make an unexpected appeal. The lion knew of Lionelle, and he wanted her back. Nickle and Scooter, as any responsible adventurer would do, simply let the lion be. They walked away, but not before Scooter filmed a short sequence displaying the lion’s howl and pent-up desperation.

Here is that same footage:

No one can deny the close resemble between the lion and Lionelle.

What does this mean for Lionelle? Is this her real father? The similarities can’t be denied. The two felines share the same eyes and overall body structure. They also both share an insatiable hunting appetite. Finally, they are both considered two of the most glorious creatures in all the animal kingdom. If this lion is her real father, should Lionelle be forced to leave the Blue House and her auspicious situation therein? Or, and this scenario terrifies most people that frequent the House: should the lion be transferred captivities from the zoo to the House? Perhaps, the controversy will be settled as most is settled in our modern era: with no one acting at all. Perhaps, the lion should remain at the zoo crying for his lost kitten, and Lionelle should remain a symbol of pride for the entire House.

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 at 4:43 pm and is filed under House News, Kitty Konflict. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.