A Statue in the Night

After a good day of hunting, the loner was doing what she usually did: travelling. She padded onward into the unknown, her jaws open and constantly scenting the air for any creatures whose lands she may stumble upon.  Earlier that day, she had caught a doe, and then later helped herself to a human’s nice plucked goose when she went to the coffee shop at a nearby town for an espresso. Now, a well-built hare was draped across her spotted shoulders, about to provide a nice snack before a night under the stars. ‘Another night alone, Azeroth looking down at me from somewhere among the lights of the sky.’ The snow leopard lifted her blue-grey gaze up to the heavens, and then looked back down with a sigh.

Suddenly, she wasn’t hungry. No, her stomach ached as much as her heart, which had not mended even when Time had given her two centuries. She slumped down to the grass. The pale light of the moon soon became visible on the ground, and although Jagara did not know it, she became bathed in silver. With an indifferent grunt, she rose to her wide, furry paws and continued on her way. Within the hour, the brush began to clear out into a fairly spacious, dark forest that somehow reminded her of a park. A scent of a fellow shifter marked the area. Jagara gave a few fairly loud chuffs that disturbed the silence of the rising night in hopes of meeting this other shifter.‘Perhaps I can finally settle down under the leadership of another of my kind.’ The snow leopard dropped the hare to the ground, prepared to offer it to whoever came, and sat down, calmly waiting for a representative. If there would even be one before dawn. Her fluffy ears swiveled from side to side, searching for the faintest sound of pawsteps. After a moment of thought, Jagara moved the prey a little bit farther towards the border with a paw before returning to a graceful seat. She didn't want any confusion as to why the snack was there.

[[ Sorry so short. :((( ]]

Eden watch the other approach with a newly blood-thirsty kill, crouching low behind tall patches of weeds and grasses to hide her stripped white and black face. Her jaw left agape to bare a set of three-inched canines that could tear through almost any prey with a few swipes. The day was like any other, however, for a change she ran into unexpected company of a small stampede out in the pastures. Luckily for her, she was able to snatch a quick meal on top of it all by taking out the one abandoned from the rest. She would admit it was a challenge getting past them all, but it was not like it was new to her, eventually once in a while she would face an obstacle if she liked it or not. The tigress leader moved to the side behind the weeds, examining the snow leopard with grace and a calm attitude. Spots dotted over the female's entire body, a pelt as thick as morning fog and a marvelous build and movement to pair with it.

She'd make an excellent addition to their race's pack, but could she stand being put through all the duties of becoming a possible Auxiliary? Maybe even an Epror? Who knows, the Regina stayed silent, licking over her blood-stained teeth in decision. The snow leopard appeared to of dropped the kill especially for the one who'd be there to accept her, a gift and a token of her gratitude. Eden admired it, relaxing her shoulders before moving out and to expose her white and black striped coat in the moon's light, a low growl humming from her windpipe in greeting, "Salutations, cat. I am Regina Eden, leader of the shifters that live within these lands. Tell me, why have you came here and if so, what could we benefit from you if you wish to stay?"

Jagara watched as a tigress slid out of the shadows, graceful yet strong. Her silvery gaze swept over her possible leader, whose two-toned pelt fit beautifully over her muscular figure. Upon the shifter’s words she instantly lowered her head slowly in respect, raising it back up before speaking, “Greetings, Eden. My name is Jagara, and am honored that I have stumbled upon your territory. I have been on my own for a while, in search of a place to settle down once more.” Perking her ears forward, she went on in a more professional tone, although she stuck to being polite, “I would indeed like to join the shifters here, and I understand that one must pull their own weight in such a community. Alas, my skills in caring for the young and wounded are few, I’ve only had to fix a couple of scratches here and bullet holes there. However, I make up for that deficit with my ways in battle, both fighting and tactics wise. I always play to the strengths of my comrades and myself, and against those of the opponent. Also, I apply my skill in strategy to everyday life, so I can say I’m not a bad planner or multitasker.” Her thoughts flickered back for a heartbeat to her beloved lion and how he always snorted sarcastically when she planned their emergency plans and escape routes. If only he had paid attention, if only she had pressed him into learning them…

After a small breath and lowering her head and shoulders slightly in a show of respectful courtesy, the snow leopard continued, “I trust that you will put me under what responsibilities you see right. The last thing I can offer is my loyalty, for I have no one else worth giving it to. I will strive to achieve greatness within your ranks and prove myself to you, since it is understandable that you would like to see my actions compared to my words.” Jagara raised herself and gazed gently at Eden, quickly shooting a hopeful glance at the stars. Perhaps Azeroth was watching her now. ‘The worst that could happen is that I get turned down here and now, but I know not of what could be the best.’ She relaxed slightly, once more watching the Regina, but this time for a reaction. Her thick tail swayed gently across the grass behind her in calm sweeping manner.

Listening quietly and respectfully to the younger female, a smile hinted at the corner of her furry lips, ears turned to the sides, "Well its an honor meeting you, Jagara. You bring great respect to me, which does not worry for the near future hopefully towards the rest of your superiors. We're always opened armed to shifters that hope to join, we're a family here and I hope you will bring your best into fighting along the rest's sides. Now, if you don't mind, I'd love to hear more about these fighting skills and tactics you have accomplished. And if I'm mistaken, if you mean you are highly trained in these categories, I presume you are at most a couple hundred years old, if not a least almost nearing one hundred years of age being a shifter, am I wrong?" Eden felt fascinated into knowing more about this cat and what's she's proven to learn along side herself for so long in her travels. Surely she had to of come up with some useful ways for all, and not just larger cats to use, but if she didn't it wouldn't differ her opinion. All that mattered for the moment is that she payed her others in respect and gratitude, along with manners some may never see again. Now that everything has changed in the years passing by, so have human behaviors. If anything, they act like animals compared to them which she fears the worst to come.

Glancing back up to meet her gaze from earlier, she smiled softly, "I only give my trust to a rare few that have given me their respect in return, and I cannot deny that you have earned it. I'll trust you to fulfill your duties regularly when told and treat the rest of my pack with all dues respect, but please don't just treat me as your leader for I am a friend to all, Jagara. The extent is appreciated, I fear not of what you have yet to throw towards your companions, you have my word. If it is too much, how would you feel of taking on my Epror rank, if it is, then you'd make an acceptable Bellator whom to work up to being possibly my Dux. However you prefer, but with the Epror rank I expect you to protect the pack with your life and teach Inceptors when the time will come."

Jagara noticed a very subtle smile on the tigress’s muzzle and returned it with one of her own. The Regina’s words brought a small hope to her, to have a family of comrades whom she will support and they, in turn, will support her. Upon the question, the leopardess began, “No, you are right. At present, I am two hundred twenty-eight years of age.”

With a warmer tone, as if she was talking to an old friend, she continued, “Ever since the fall of 2664, I have been travelling the world without a purpose other than to hone my skills.  I have met with many creatures of different species, though I may not be the most social of beings, and traded knowledge with them. I believe the topic that interests you the most is the shifters? From staying with another pack of shifters temporarily, I have learned from the strength of the bears how to set up ‘gifts’  for unwanted visitors, using dead trees that still stand. What interesting beings bears are! Why they figured out that, during the rain, they can rock the trees until they became unstable, then push them down at the right moment when they need to. They say they’ve barricaded the entrance to the nursing den from attackers once like this. I thought it was fairly clever. However, their strength and size makes them fairly slow, and it is easy for agile creatures like us to dive down under them. I suggested that they try falling on top of the attacker, for it is quite hard to push them off, especially if they begin to hammer you down with heavy paws. But enough of the bears. For myself, I find the hardest to deal with in a terrain such as this,” she gestures to the spacious forest, “is my conspicuous  pelt. However, in the mornings when the fog is thicker, I can move around as unnoticed as I can in snow. Dawn and dusk’s grey hues also provide good shelter. In the day, I can disguise the color that so betrays me by tearing through the fresh grass and rolling in it, although mud works just as well. I don’t really prefer to do this though, and just usually stay in high grass or another, cleaner form of cover. Coming from where I do, I have learned at an early age how to use snow and rock to my advantage, but from my years I have applied that knowledge to other things, such as trees. Easier to climb than rocks actually, if they have nice, thick branches. Such a post is perfect for surprise attacks or ambushes, especially on creatures who have trouble reaching their back, like boars and alligators but also on the slow-minded. I’ve managed to put in a couple of good blows before my opponent knew what happened. As for the actual close combat, I find it best to use my paws before the fangs, for they leave less of an opportunity for one to grab the neck. And what use are teeth when your windpipe is crushed? That doesn’t mean I do not use my maw, but simply that I wait until the best moment to give the harshest blow. Another thing I have found is something that I’ve seen most felines overlook. Azeroth, a lion who was once dear to me was in a spar with me once, and when I pointed it out to him, he became dangerous from all angles. Nature gave us four clawed paws, but many use only two. If a kick with the hind legs was paired with a swipe of the claws, once would think twice before trying to bite you from behind. Lastly, I play to my own strengths. We snow leopards are agile and have very strong tails. We can leap high, and this gives us room to use a wide range of flying attacks. As for the tail, it is not all fur, though most mistake it to be. What a surprised looks I’ve seen when it hits the skulls of my opponents. Of course, it is obviously not as strong as the full force of a heavy paw, but it comes as a nice little surprise. Besides, every bruise, scratch, and stun is just a steppingstone to tiring them and giving you a window of opportunity to deal harsher blows.”

Jagara had enjoyed talking, but soon realized she might have been rambling on a bit. At once, a prickling itch overwhelmed her at her knees. She gently lowered herself and rasped her tongue over the scars on her legs before straightening back up, “I am quite pleased to know that I have a friend who trusts me. Have no doubt that I will indeed fulfill my assignments and treat all with respect and courtesy. I admit that I may appear gruff to some at times, but this is simply me focusing on the task at hand. When I’m busy, I do not like to dawdle. As for rank, I would be more than happy to protect you and your pack with my life, as there has been nothing in my life for the last two hundred years worthy of dying for. And I look forward to training pupils, for my father once told me, ‘The teacher will more from the student than he expects.’ I agree with him, for there are always new moves that can be thought of, there is always something that can be improved. If I am to teach the art of battle, I will teach everything I have to offer. But, in all respect, I leave the final decision up to you, for you are the Regina and I am the loner, yes? I trust your wisdom in your answer.” Jagara gave another soft smile, as her ashy eyes held Eden’s gaze. Perhaps she did have a bright future like her parents told her after all. Regardless, the sheer fact that a shifter of such power and grace had been there for Jagara to stumble into and then accept her with open arms was wonderful. It was an opportunity, the likes of which she hasn’t seen in many years.

Her ears trained in on further as their conversation expanded, widening her eyes in awe at the things she had claimed to of seen, done and heard of, more than impressed with her stable attitude throughout it all. It relieved her to know that the female had more experience with the other races, feeling as pleased to hear that she was able to communicate no matter if she wanted to or not as a duty to be fulfilled. This was good, great actually to know in her case. As her words spoke of her loved one, Eden felt a pain of agony press at her back, but refused to show a sign of acknowledgement for it. This was no time to be sulking over someone's death, not here, not now. "It is great to hear that, Jagara. Your skills would bring perfect use to our race and kind towards enemies, as well as fighting in general. To my knowledge, I find you very interesting, and hope that this would soon to rather change between us to become closer friends. You prove great potential and I won't keep that from your knowing, to me, this is to bring better forces and abilities for young shifters to learn. As your leader, you will look up to me like everyone else, but don't treat me like I'm the queen for I am just like you, in a way. We both have shared our strengths and proven our capabilities to the world as well as face tough losses throughout our pasts. With this, I know our race will become unbeatable, strong Bellators created to fight along our sides in necessary battle."

Eden smiled, stepping to her feet in a proud stance to see such an individual walk across her borders, "From this point on, I welcome you to my pack as our Epror female, treat your rank with respect, dear and bring greatness to our race. Your duties are hoped to be fulfilled of course and you are free to roam about that lands as you please. If there is anything, and I mean anything you wish to speak about, come to my chambers and ask, I'm always willing to help." She bowed her head in respect, turning away for her to follow up behind her, or even stay to take a lonely walk to get to know the area more. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Jagara." The tigress called behind her, darting through the weeds at an increasing rate for the hope of finding another meal to satisfy her hunger. This was what she loved to do, to accept others and learn their pasts, gain their trusts. She smiled, releasing a growl to the air as she ran.

[[ x3 You do not have to post after this. Welcome to the pack!!! ]]