Often rated M for mature content

The trek was a lengthy one, hours upon hours with no rest. Her body ached, and throat screamed for nourishment. Her stomach was empty, and the brazen sun from earlier in the day robbed most of the strength out of her, leaving her parched. Body screamed for rest, limbs burned, and bruises caused a tingling sensation to cut through her flesh. Lethal fingertips raking across her body, enough to send a chill spiraling down the length of her delicate spine as each step was taken.  A land new to her had been presented on a silver platter, and she would be damned if she were to skip a paw print.

A low rumble formed within her broad chest, vibrating the length of her larynx, evaporating into the air before it could reach anyones delicate drums. Pads of her paws, torn from the venture through the stones, and rocks. The smell of copper lingered within her nostrils as each breath was taken in. Exhales ever so slow as she tried to regain her composure. The pain of her travels nearly unbareable at this point.. Even the shallows of the waters were filled with jagged dangers, and she suffered the consequences.

By the  time she had reached lake side the sun had vanished, a blanket of black surrounded her, legs quivvering, and fireflies lit up the world like fourth of July. She held little time to absorb into the beauty, instead she collapsed. A puff of sand forced up, and salmon tongue hung from her jaws. Crimson eyes slowly hidden by her eyelids. It had finally been time to rest. A must needed break.

The sunlight ebbed and faded as Circe made her way around the lake. By the time she reached its north-most curve twilight had set in and the lake was bathed in a gentle, ethereal glow. All was peaceful, dark and quiet - just the way she liked it. Circe wasn't exactly the religious sort, but she was familiar with the trappings of religion. From experience she knew that times like these - when the atmosphere hinted at otherworldly things - could evoke powerful feelings from those who held the supernatural in esteem. It was these times when others were feeling alarmed or endeared by the nearness of the supernatural that Circe did her best work. A soft thud drew Circe from her thoughts. She paused and felt Gwydion shift around on her back. "Hwhat isss it?" he murmured. Circe was quiet as she scanned first the forest to her right then the shoreline to her left. "I don't know, my dear," she murmured back. "How about we find out?" There. She zeroed in on the prone figure at the water's edge. Circe wasn't sure what shape the woman was in, but she appeared to have seen better days. Perfect. She padded closer then called out, "Rough day, my friend?" "Circe" "Gwydion"