[SE] [Open] An artist's view

A panther in the night, a fire burning bright. When Ray first heard of The Wilds she was eager to go explore and look for new herbs. The only thing stopping her from making the trek was a healthy dose of caution. But then she heard of The Leap of Faith. A massive waterfall deep in the jungle. The kind of view an artist dreams of. That settled it. Ray packed her bags, filling them with survival gear, vials to collect herb samples, and her sketchbook. In panther form for easier maneuverability and her bag carried in her jaws, Ray made her way through the jungle. The dense foliage and bizarre plants brushing against her fur. She walked silently, ears perked in case any sign of movement or danger. This was unknown land but she could feel nothing but excitement. Ray paused as heard a distant roar in the distance. She was close to the falls. Quickening her step, Ray wondered if anyone else was making their way here? Perhaps another artist had already set up over the Leap? r a y The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion. —Albert Camus

the darkest nights produce the brightest stars

Ray is not the only big cat out in the wilds today. Another creeps through the underbrush, paler and stockier but no less quiet or comfortable in her skin. Amalia's familiarity with her feline form nearly rivals that she feels as a human, and it is with the easy grace of a born leopardess that the Archangel navigates the edges of the riverbank, approaching the roar of the waterfall with cautious, eager steps.

She's paused on the bank when she catches the scent of another felid, her sensitive sense of smell immediately picking up the aroma on the wind. Freezing with a single large paw raised, Amalia turns her head and her ears quickly towards the source. Another cat, darker and larger, and right away the not-Shield reaches out for the Attuned bond, unsure if this is a local denizen or another blessed by the gods. Hello? she calls out mentally, still frozen, as much an animal as human in her response.

A panther in the night, a fire burning bright. Ray paused, one foot still raised when the scent of another cat reached her. Hopefully it was friendly and she wouldn't have to fight. Although she was fully capable of defending herself in this form, it would still be tedious to have to fight around both her bag and a waterfall. Ray rotated her ears, senses straining to determine from what direction the other cat was approaching. Once she had it pinned down, she turned her head and braced herself slightly. It was then that Amalia's voice reached her. Ray let out a sigh, her tense muscles relaxed and her ears perked up with curiosity. She sat down on the path facing the newcomer. With a warm voice she replied mentally. Hi! How are you? Come to explore the Leap? Ray was relieved that the cat was a fellow Attuned, and not a territorial local creature. r a y The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion. —Albert Camus

the darkest nights produce the brightest stars

The wariness melts away substantially as the panther responds with warm enthusiasm, confirming that this isn't a wild beast, but another Attuned. Immediately Amalia's posture shifts, her fur settling, foot falling, ears tilting curiously towards the big black cat. Yes, comes the simple mental answer, the snow leopard tilting her head curiously to the side.

Carefully she takes a step forward, and then another, far more bold in light of the other girl's submissive sitting. Her nostrils flare as she inhales the scent of sand and sea that clings to the panther's coat- You're from Torchline, the Archangel notes as she circles the woman, taking in the bag she carries, her superior size. I used to live there. I'm... Lia. So far the woman doesn't seem to have recognized her by shift alone, and the Archangel is struck by a sudden desire for continued anonymity. There are few in Caido who do not know her by name, for better or worse.

Her circle complete, the leopard comes to a stop in front of the panther again. What brings you to the falls?

A panther in the night, a fire burning bright. The hesitation in which the other Attuned gave her name made Ray pause. But only for a heartbeat. She recalled those with snow leopard shifts and noted those who might be wary of identification. The list was small. Lia, huh? Ah. Ray had a feeling she knew who this was. But as one who always makes judgments for herself she ignored what she'd heard in passing. Nice to meet you Lia. I'm Ray. She introduced herself, her tone still as genuinely warm as before. I came out here to draw the falls. It seemed like too tempting of a view to pass up. What about you? What brings you out here? Knowing now that the leopard was friendly and that she could talk to Lia with her mind, Ray picked up her bag once more and stood up. Shall we go see the falls? She briefly wondered if she would get an answer to her previous questions but decided not to pry if Amalia dodged the inquiries. As long as she remained friendly, Ray wouldn't push for answers. Especially not if this was who she suspected. r a y The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion. —Albert Camus

the darkest nights produce the brightest stars

There's a level of friendliness to the other felid - Ray that catches Amalia off-guard, though not unpleasantly so. The rapid-fire questions feel like an echo of someone the girl once new; if only she were more self-aware, she might recognize it as herself. Just exploring, the leopardess answers simply and honestly, her ears flicking delicately upon her head. I thought this might be a good place to leave an offering for Rae.

The jaguar stands and Amalia follows, one paw raised up speculatively, torn between pursuit and flight. She softens after a beat of this; Only if you don't mind the intrusion. She falls into step alongside Ray, giving enough distance to be appropriate for two predators while keeping stride. Have you seen much of the Wilds?

A panther in the night, a fire burning bright. It probably is a nice place for one. Ray mused. She wasn't in the practice of leaving offerings regularly but the Leap did seem like a good choice. It's not an intrusion at all. Ray insists, sending back another grin. I haven't seen much yet. I'm thinking of traveling through it to try and document the plants. I run an apothecary so I'm hoping to find something of use. But if not, at least I get to explore.   Ray grew quiet as they came to a break in the trees. The roar of the water was almost overwhelmingly loud now. I think we're here. She took a cautious step out and froze. Wow. Sure enough the Leap lay before them in all of its glory. Ray had seen waterfalls before but nothing like this. The sheer volume of water was astounding. And glancing down to see what almost looked like a bottomless mass of fog? It sent shivers down her spine. r a y The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion. —Albert Camus

the darkest nights produce the brightest stars

It's a short walk from where they meet to the waterfall; already Amalia can feel the roar filling her ears, loud and fierce as thunder's roll. It vibrates pleasantly against her bones, and the awe she feels as they approach the lip is as monumental as the pull of the current, the certainty of death should they tempt the dangerous beauty of the water. Incredible, she agrees silently, creeping closer to the edge, dizzied by the drop.

She barely hears the sound of the water behind them moving, so caught up is she in this marvel. But hear it she does, an ear flickering back to be followed by her body as Amalia spins around, staring intently ahead. Did you hear that? A pool rests just beyond where the falls coalesce, and she could swear she saw something moving inside...

And then the surface of the water breaks, giving way to... more water. But this is different; it's alive, equid features manifesting as the liquid takes form, until a horse of translucent blue stands upon the deep pool's surface, staring at the cats.

A panther in the night, a fire burning bright. Ray watches the water, her senses overwhelmed by the roar and crash of the falls. But Ray's ears perk just as Amalia calls out, a very faint noise having made it's way past the roar. Hackles raising she turns swiftly on her heels. I did! W...what... what is that?! She watches with equal parts fascination and wariness as the water takes form. Hello? Ray mentally calls out to the water equine. She had no idea if they were capable of hearing her but it seemed like a good idea to be friendly. She was still too unfamiliar with the creatures of the Wilds and wasn't looking to make unnecessary enemies. Can we help you with something? Are we trespassing? She adds, glancing at both Amalia and the horse, unsure what the best approach is. r a y The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion. —Albert Camus

the darkest nights produce the brightest stars

The pair of cats can only stare as the water horse takes form. Amalia blinks in silent amazement and awe; the creature is beautiful, throwing rainbows across the water as light refracts through its translucent form. But it feels like something dangerous as well, a wild being of Rae crystalized in ways the Angel has never encountered before.

One ear flickers over her head at Ray's silent greeting; the other one stays focused on the equine, even though nothing of what transpired is said aloud. It says we're free to enjoy the Falls, Amalia translates, her tail twitching, As we've been touched by Rae. This affirmation loosens something in her; with a grateful whuff the snow leopard lowers her head toward the creature, which bobs its crown in turn.

Then the water horse paws at the surface of the water, huffing steam as its ears fall back, a clear communication of unhappiness. Ah- it says that with all the humans wandering through there's been, um, a change in the water. That one of them left items which are hurting it in the pool. The feel and taste of cold steel rush into her mind. It asks if we can get it out. It's at the bottom of the water.

A panther in the night, a fire burning bright. Seeing the exchange and hearing Amalia's translation, Ray nodded to the equine in respect as well. Thank you for allowing us to be here. As it became apparent that the creature was requesting help, Ray was torn. She wanted to help but something held her back. This equine was still very much an unknown in terms of both it's species and motives. She glanced down at the pool an felt a small shudder go down her spine  at the nearly fathomless depth. I'd be willing to help but I can't swim that deep. And I don't have an aquatic shift. She turned to her companion. Do you have one Lia? If now, we're likely not capable of helping. Ray spoke with clear sorrow, honestly disappointed. If this creature was telling the truth, not being able to help sucked. At the same time, if it was a trick, hopefully her response would not anger it. r a y The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion. —Albert Camus

AmaLiA

the archangel

She's already shaking her head when Ray asks the question, feeling a pang of disappointment at the loss of her aquatic shifts. No... But I have an idea.

The leopardess lets her eyes fall shut and takes a deep, slow breath. Whatever anonymity she hoped to cling to will doubtless disappear with this choice, but the hurt of the creature overrides her own stubborn insecurity. So it is that when she exhales it isn't a leopard who stands on the bank of the pool, but a qilin, her hooves placed delicately on the water's surface.

Shuffling a little, Amalia looks back at Ray, her antlered head tilted slightly to the side. I can carry you to where the rot is, like this, she explains. And then place a sphere of air around your head, so you can dive down. If... Of you're comfortable with that.

& once again I shall kiss the sky

A panther in the night, a fire burning bright. Ray's eyes widened with wonder as Amalia shifted. This was her first time seeing a qilin and the stories had not done the creatures justice. Taking a moment to recover from her awe, Ray responded. "That sounds like a plan." Ray knew she was placing quite a bit of trust into someone she had only just met. However, given who it was and their interactions thus far, she decided to take the risk. Ray truly did want to help the water horse after all. "Hopefully this rot will be something we can easily remove. I'm not well-versed in magic." She noted, as she looked at their path of descent. Ray looked at Amalia. "Should I just hop on?" r a y The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion. —Albert Camus

AmaLiA

the archangel

The Ceffyl Dŵr watches through large, translucent eyes as the pair of Attuned work out their haphazard plan. Amalia nods at Ray's question, bending a knee and lowering herself closer to the ground that the other might climb on. There haven't been many who have ridden the qilin, but those who have tell Amalia she is a smooth - if bony - mount. Idly she wonders if she ought to invest in a saddle for herself, but of course the only person she knows who could make one is the last person to whom she can turn.

These thoughts disperse like ripples as Amalia steps onto the water. The horse watches for a careful second; then, with scarcely a disturbance of the surface, disappears into the depths. Only the feeling of its mind remains, a pull that the Shield follows until she stands above the center of the lake. Far below a dark shadow lurks; I think that's it, Amalia murmurs, tail lashing through the wake. When you get off I'll bubble you. Ready?

& once again I shall kiss the sky