A Dire Situation

[Sheva]

72nd Summer 512AV

Yet another day in the snow filled reaches of Avanthal the winter city, it's residents hard at work on repairing their magnificent home. The day was like any other, the cold lingered everywhere, spread by the gentle breezes that carried snow through the air. Meanwhile, in the wilderness not too far beyond the city's borders, the white tigress was on the prowl. . Sheva had been in the forest for the duration of the day, she had hidden her possessions somewhere that only she knew and was slowly scouting the area, familiarizing herself with the landscape. Nate was busy today, probably with that dog of his, so the pair couldn't go on one of their regular hunting trips. Sheva let out a low annoyed growl at the thought of the dog and its stench. So, being unoccupied for the day the kelvic decided it was time she properly explored the area, clawing at a tree or two in order to mark her new-found territory. . The white tigress left behind large paw prints as it tread through the snow, its large feline eyes searching, ears listening and nose scenting the forest. Any animal unlucky enough to be come across the enormous creature would be dead within seconds, and devoured soon after. Sheva loved the snow, the pure white of her coat blending in perfectly with the soft white blanket, almost as if the snow itself were moving in a large clump across the land. . It had been a rather uneventful trip as the tigress returned to the familiar clearing where she had begun her walk earlier, but something was different now. The area was quiet, too quiet. Not even the usual sound of birds fleeing could be heard...there was something here other than Sheva. Just like that the tigress was alert, ears, eyes and nose hard at work siphoning through her senses to find whatever, or whoever was in the vicinity. All her senses pointing her in one direction, a low growl escaped her throat as she focused on the bushes on the other end of the clearing. Large claws digging into the snow, as she let out a short quick roar. Commanding the creature to reveal itself. This was her territory now and trespassers were not welcome.

[Blizzard]

Blizzard quickly finished off the rabbit in a hurry when she heard the roar thinking to herself Not another! with a groan. She sighed then shook her head with a paw over her nose. She could tell the growl was supposed to strike fear into all that surrounded. But news flash, Blizzard didn't scare easily unless it was the paranormal. She growled but then laughed a sarcastic laugh that was more like a coughing in her feline state. She took a good whiff at the air as a gust of wind shot the scent towards her. It wasn't a snow leopard for snow leopards couldn't roar but it was feline. She snarled instead, the scent growing stronger but then just laughed once more. She could make a crazy I'm gonna kill you entrance but that just wasn't her style. She chuckled as she rounded the bush facing the snow white stripeless tiger. Blizzard found her own strut quite amusing but she sighed with a smile Tsk tsk tsk! Look what we have here! Ourselves a tiger! Rawr! Hm hm hm. Blizzard's sassy attitude didn't get her far most of the time but that was just her. Look, I don't really feel like fighting right now since I'm kind of stuffed! She stood up on her hind legs then patted her stomach with her paws then dropped down once more. But if you would like, feel free to come back later. And just a slight hint. With this she cocked her head to the side then protruded her index claw, putting it on her cheek Try to stay out of a fellow's territory, would ya? She walked over to a nearby pine tree then rubbed against it. She jumped up on her two hind legs then came crashing down on the pine tree with her claws protruded. She pulled down the side of the tree with enough force to let her claws slide and slice through the chilly bark with ease. When she was through the tree had a large and long claw mark running down it's side. Must I explain myself anymore? Or am I very clear? She didn't care if the cat was bigger than her. She'd taken down prey three times her size! And they had antlers, horns and large hooves that actually tried to kill her. In the end she had killed them. But to be honest, she didn't feel like gaining a bad rep for killing this being especially when she had just arrived back home. I love how I get the best 'Welcome Home's. Only me I suppose.

[Sheva]

As the snow leopard revealed itself Sheva watched it, no her, as she pranced around the clearing. Sheva clearly outsized her being almost thrice as big but they both knew when it came to predators size didn't matter much. Sheva should have been annoyed by the leopards arrogant nature but instead she found it rather entertaining. "Well hello there, I was wondering what happened to the owner of this territory. Seems you just went on vacation." her legs folded neatly under her as the tiger went into a sitting position, now more relaxed. The leopard was certainly brave and confident in her abilities as a predator and Sheva respected that. "I must admit that I'm impressed, it's always nice to come across another confident predator." the tigress now licking her paw calmly. She took a few steps closer to the leopard now only a few feet away and returned to her sitting position. "You can call me Sheva, and I apologize for trespassing." Sheva didn't want to cause conflict with the first other feline predator she had met in the northern wilderness. Not to mention she had infact trespassed onto this leopard's territory and although she had been in the process of marking it her own she respected that it didn't belong to her. She would expect anything crossing her territory to do the same. "So you say you've returned? Where from?" this leopard seem rather intelligent for a wild animal, most predators didn't leave their territory often unless forced.

[Blizzard]

Blizzard liked this feline. A grin grew across her face I like you. To be honest, I half expected an arrogant big cat. No offense of coarse. She huffed And yes, just on a quick vacation. One where I ended up getting into a small scramble with one of the natives. She eyed the tiger as she sat. Since this feline showed respect she decided she would as well. It was only proper and she didn't always feel like being the bad guy. She picked her paw up, examined the print in the snow then precisely aligned her paw with it's place one more. Blizzard's grin widened when the tiger complimented her confidence "Sometimes it is that exact confidence that gets me into trouble." Blizzard could tell that this wasn't one who wanted to start trouble nor go looking for it. She must have a good soul. she thought. Any other time one with their ability would do the exact opposite. When she said her name was Sheva it was only in her best to do the same Name's Blizzard. Friends call me Blizz or Blizt. I respond to all three. The tiger seemed interested in her journey From Alvadas. Rode a horse down there and will hope to return again. But alas, I'm not so sure my elder friend will be able to return with me. With a sigh, she stood up. She wasn't sure if she'd see him soon. Maybe never again. You see, I promised to take him and tell him when I was leaving, but I never heard from him again. I couldn't wait forever, but I broke a promise. I never break promises. she quickly changed the subject So yes, I have returned. I wouldn't recommend going there. The streets are literally never the same. The only place that stays in one spot is the Sanity Center. All the buildings move at least once a day I'd have to say. It's all part of some prank from Ionu. The memories of the ever changing city flooded back into her brain. And if you run into someone named Ronar, punch him then get the hell out of there. I barely beat him because he was drunk. He's a murderer, and if you're lucky you can smell the blood on him. I just said Killer and he went ballistic. Then he tried to kill me but his drunk ass fell on the ground. I left him there then that's when I left. It's just too much trickery for me. the thoughts ruffled her hide. Just not a pleasant experience. Wouldn't go alone ever again.

[Sheva]

Sheva listened intently as the leopard spoke, she was glad there was a mutual respect. So her name was Blizzard, a fitting name. "Blizzard...I like that" she said honestly. Blizzard continued to tell her story, Alvadas...rode a horse...wait she was a kelvic! This was her first time meeting another feline kelvic, and it seemed that Blizzard was every bit as likeable as Sheva had imagined. Her head tilted curiously to the side as Blizzard told of her experiences in Alvadas, a friend, a murderer, a broken promise and a city with changing streets. Sheva was enthralled by the story focusing on every word and detail. "Ah it's nice to meet a fellow feline kelvic and that sounds like an amazing adventure!" to be honest Sheva was slightly jealous, her life had consisted mostly of just surviving and being alone. Although it was improving recently, what with her new friend and hunting partner Nate, and now this interesting kelvic.

[Blizzard]

Thank you. she said as the tiger complimented her name. She examined the tiger closely as she saw a slight twinkle of amusement. The story may have seemed amazing and fun but in reality it was a tough adventure. Her curiosity more than likely could have killed herself, the cat. It was a huge risk, but in the end she decided it was worth the thrill. She was one to take risks. The feeling's mutual. was all she said about it being nice to meet another feline Kelvic. Wait, that meant she was a Kelvic as well. No wonder! And yes, and adventure that almost got my head cut off. Now... she finished with a chuckle Let's say we get outta here and grab a bite to eat. Bill is on me. She walked behind the bush one then grabbed the bundle of clothes in her mouth, placing them off to the side. She sighed then morphed back into a human quickly putting her white dress, then her boots. She swiftly put the furred cloak on to hide out the cold. She jumped up with a smile then pulled her cloak's hood over her long blonde hair "Let's go, shall we?" She began to slowly walk out of the forest baring her elongated feline teeth then growled. She thought she heard something. But she could always be wrong. Then a small rabbit hopped out from behind a tree then scuttled away "Just a rabbit." she chuckled then began to walk on with a smile. "So, where are you from?"

[Sheva]

Sheva followed suit as the snow leopard made her way to where she had hidden her possessions. Sheva after all, had hidden hers in the same clearing. She walked over to the large tree with the small vacant rabbit hole she used to hide her stuff. Changing form in a flash Sheva reached in and pulled out her clothing quickly getting dressed herself. Now fully clothed bow on her back Sheva turned around and caught up to Blizzard walking to her side. Blizzard's human form was just as beautiful as her animal one, her blonde hair a pleasant and warm colour especially in contrast to the snow. "Well I'm not really 'from' anywhere..." to be honest Sheva hadn't spent more than a season anywhere since she had left Zeltiva a long time ago. "...although I must admit I like it here. What about you, did you always live here?" The pair continued to walk in step slowly approaching the city. Sheva was beginning to think Avanthal was the place for her, she had made two friends here, which was more than she could say about any place else she had been. Although she did dream of traveling and going on breathtaking adventures, but more than anything of finding a sense of belonging.

[Blizzard]

She examined the tiger Kelvic with critical eyes. The whitish gray hair of the woman went well, almost matching with the snow. When she asked about where Blizzard was from Blizzard looked down at the ground with critical eyes that filled themselves of hatred and terror when her past was asked about. Her past; something she tried so often to forget but was carried with her every step of the day. "My past isn't very pleasant and not much of a tale I'd like to share with children or folks that have soft hearts. Being a predator that must kill for food like myself, I don't expect you to have nightmares like some children would. She sighed "When I was born, like all Kelvics, I was born in human form. I was helpless, soft, and needed to be nurtured." When she sadi the words helpless and soft her teeth bared and one could sense the hatred the flew off of her tongue with every sound. "Apparently, my mother thought differently. I am not from here, no. I am from the wilderness reaches of Taldera where it is cold and mountainous; The Northern Wastes. She abandoned me when I was about a month out in the place. Probably hoping I would freeze to death," she rolled her eyes "I morphed that night into a snow leopard. A young snow leopard, I was but my instincts had kicked in by that time and I was already growing at a quick and fast rate." "My instincts showed me the way as well as the wind. I do believe the wind carries spirits and whispers to help us. Some just do not listen close enough. Anyways, I learnt the ways of my animal form. I hunted small animals first. Rabbits, birds, those sorta things. Then as I grew my hunting skills progressed. Not soon after that I was taking down animals three times my size. Elk included. I would slaughter just for fun. In my head I would tell myself 'That's for abandoning me here, ma.' The kills I made are countless. I lost track at the beginning. My bloodlust was getting of control so I stopped myself. Then one night I heard the wind talking to me. I heard the wind tell me to go south, go to Avanthal. It said I would be cared for. My problems would be solved. I did as told and almost as if by magic when I walked through the Ice Gates, I felt better. Occasionally, I will exit the city to find food. To kill a bigger meal." She huffed "So to answer your question, no I am not from Avanthal. And I do like it here. Ever sine being here I have controlled my bloodlust. It is almost practically gone. But my hatred for my mother will always be there. She would have been the last person on the planet for a best mother award. I would have been there every step of the way to make sure she never got it either. I never knew her name. I barely remember what she looks like. That is why my favorite saying is never judge a book by it's cover. There is always something underneath. Anyways, enough of this." She had told her story of the day and every time she told it she grew disgusted. "I can buy some steaks for the two of us. Rare or grilled?" With this they were exiting the small piece of wilderness that reminded her of home. That she had marked as hers. There was a small cafe around the bend that served some of the best cooked steak she had tasted. But for raw she could protest otherwise.

[Sheva]

Sheva immediately regretted her question after she had asked it, the hate was evident on Blizzard's face. But the kelvic decided to tell her the story of her past and Sheva listened. Sheva could hear the hatred in her voice, in her words...in her. Blizzard had been abandoned as a baby, in the cold, perhaps that's where her name came from. Sheva assumed she had named herself, and her assumption was most likely right. Avanthal seemed to be a sanctuary for lost kelvics, willing or not. Blizzard who had been consumed by her bloodlust had found relief in the winter city, Sheva aswell. "I'll have what your having." she said as they arrived at their destination. Sheva thought for a while on Blizzard's story, she felt it only fair for her to say something. "I have no memories of my mother, none at all. The farthest back I can remember is being tied to a moving caravan, owned by a merchant." Sheva thought for a moment on her own past. She let out a soft sigh, "Well I think that's enough talk of the past." she said reassuringly trying to coax the mood into changing with a smile.

[Blizzard]

"Aight, raw steak it is." she said this with a grin "Found any surprising or large prey herds in these forests since I've been away? Or any large or decent kills?" Blizzard wondered this because eating plain steak had been quite boring. Her kills on her trip to Alvadas were very small and that was quite a while ago. "Just for the record." When she spoke the words enough of the past Blizzard completely agreed "I agree completely. So, tell me about yourself besides your name being Sheva. Are you a traveler, wanderer, or do you own a home somewhere? I would happen to be a wanderer that just wanders wherever carrying my belongings." Soon enough they came upon the little cafe Blizzard knew oh so well. She opened the door, holding it open for Sheva then grinned when she saw the familiar face "Ferlie!" The waiter looked up when she called his name who responded with a bright smile and slight wave and a "Hey Blitz!" The Vantha showed her to a table with two seats "The regular?" Blizzard nodded with a smile then walked over to the table motioning for Sheva who he then looked at "She'll be having the same as me, Ferlie." He seemed troubled but that was nothing for Blizzard to be worried about now. She wasn't up for sob stories and to hear about other's troubled lives.