I was wandering aimlessly; seeking, searching for who knows what. I didn?t even know. I felt pulled, like I was being lead somewhere important. Maybe something was to come from this little venture. As I was told the Vericona plains were gorgeous; as most things are. One could look to the sky; see the stars, the moon, and the clouds. The tall grasses swayed in the wind, creating a small whooshing sound as it swept the land. Inhaling deeply, it smelled like spring. It smelled of life, of birth, of things growing anew. The air smelled crisp and clear. Suddenly it dawned on me; Spring. This was my birth month, and I was shocked. I Lithilae Bellator have gained yet another year on my life. It was all a blur; sadly my age was not important enough for me to remember.

As I continued my walk; the grass crunched beneath my feet, as myself, my spirit, my oneness formed with the land I stopped. Lode behold I stumbled upon a spring. With a shrug of my shoulders I approached it. Bowing my skull to the liquid; my tongue began lapping up the fresh breath of life. The cold water seared my throat as it went down my gullet. Today was a beautiful day to be alive. Seating myself next to the pool, I looked to the rising sun. Why today was I so optimistic? This was confusing to me, and unlike my normal everyday behavior. Maybe, just maybe my life was turning for the better. Maybe for so long it was like I was sleepwalking. Maybe now I am waking up.

Odette was not sure what had drawn her to the Plains. Although the large territory had once been the established home of Valhalla, there was something else about it that drew her back. The lovely vast of rolling hills and streans were monentarily quiet; that made it more breathtaking. After admiring the landscape from perching on one kf the higher hills, Odette rose from her haunches and descended down the slope to even ground. Once she reached the flat line that signified the bottom of the hill, she set out to explore. Her nose caught the unfamiliar scents of rogues that had previously crossed the now faded borders. It still made her fur bristle and her nose wrinkle at the thought of claimed land being considered...normal, despite the fact that 'claimed' was no longer the proper label to use. With a flick of her tail, she dismissed her prissy thoughts and continued to walk the familiar ground she had tried to memorize before the move. When she came to the stream that was the main source of drinking and bathing water, she felt a fresh scent tempt her nose. The source was very close and so she remained silent as she saw the stranger's form only a couple of yards away from her. She waited to see the female's reaction before she gave her own. It was how her cousin, Champion, would have done it. Talk like this

I continued to stare into the distance; thoughts forming and twisting in my brain. Confusing devastating thoughts one would assume. My head was empty but for the few strangled thoughts of bitter loneliness. This was on my mind as my nose began to twitch. The air; it smelled different. It carried muskiness; it carried the scent of another. Suddenly it dawned on me; I was not alone. Springing from my previous formation, I spun around, staring into the vastness. The smell continuously grew stronger and stronger.

Squinting my eyes, I gazed with much scrutiny. Deciding to speak out, I raised my voice and began. I know you are out there; come out and show yourself. If not be gone, I don?t need vagabond following me. I tried to sound brave; fearless and beautiful. Yet I was neither of those. Hidden behind false bravado, I just wanted to be left alone; unharmed and alive.

I stood on all four feet; my claws dug into the soft earth for traction, yet I remained light on my heels as if I was ready to sprint. Being alone does this to one; it makes you afraid of your own shadow?that or it makes you utterly fearless and gets you killed. Subconsciously I chose the latter. I Lithilae had become a coward. I cringed at myself in disgust. I awaited the presence to show its form. I was eager to this over with. Remaining tense I anticipated my judgment day?so to speak.