surprises

Having a new shift came as a surprise to Noah. through the initial shock, however, surged excitement. He had been told by other attuned that, as you aged and gained experience and the gods willed it, you would be able to change into different animals. Noah had almost lost hope on that front, however, being his age and having only one shift. All he knew was his ability to shift into the reindeer. Now, however, he stalked the halls of the academy as a lynx.

Large, webbed paws carried him easily across the solid floor, soundless despite their size. The perspective was so new and wondrous that it kept Noah occupied for hours, roaming and trotting along and getting used to this new form. He stretched his claws out and tested his speed; he ran up and down staircases and jumped from balconies; he climbed high jumping from bookcase to bookcase in the library; he spent hours moving around the Academy. Until now, with this ability to turn into the lynx, Noah had not felt confined. He had no trouble staying in the building during Longnight--he was used to that, after all, in his own home. But now, he wanted to see how this new body held up to the cold.

Only a few more days.

Now, Noah lay curled up on a chair in an open study room, body all tucked in and warm and peaceful--happy, content.