A kindred spirit.

[Pony Swag]

Character: Lynx.

The land spoke of seasons which have passed. Before the age of men and scholars to keep track and document the change in seasons and all that they do. And while most have lost their connection with our world. And the energy that courses through it much like a river, there were those few who have not severed ties with the spirits of old. And while most clung to their stones cities of fortitude and safety. A being far older then his physical appearance would let on remained connected to the wilds. His ears able to hearken to the whispers of the wind and the tales of the trees. Whom stories were far taller and mightier then they themselves. This being took not the form of a man, rather a beast. For he found it far easier to elude unwanted attention from the outside world in this form. For many would pass him by without so much as a thought. But if only they were to peer into those frigid blue hues of his. Then they'd take note and receive enlightenment regarding what he truly was.

Upon an old tree stump he nested, finding much respite under the shade of a nearby oak tree. He found this spot to be blissfully serene. A haven in which he could tune in with nature or perhaps simply collect his thoughts. In the land of sorcery a shape-shifter was not an uncommon phenomena. However what he truly was would separate him from all others. The last of his kind. A loner detached from society who felt no desire or need to reconnect with the powers that be. For he had seen with his own eyes what the world of men and their like kind did conjure. And he has listened to the song of the winged beast who inhabit this realm. They spoke of crimes where axe had laid bare the woods and scythe had torn ground. A season of smoke, fire and war waged for the greed of a single ruler. In which much blood was spilled and much land was torn only to be left bare.

And in the wind still lingered the last words of those who feel in battle all those many years ago. And though their flesh withered to dust much like the flowers of the field under the influence of winters touch. This much remained of their legacy. Their souls now at ease, basking in the kiss of spring. The feline would close it's eyes for a moment and purr, a natural reaction from the pleasant spring breeze which teased his flesh. His eyes would open once more as they attentively surveyed the scene. His nostrils flaring as he picked up the scent of the lush array of wild flowers which inhabited the woods. His ears flickering as the song of many birds congregated unintentionally to form an orchestra. Each bird singing the song passed down from it's mother. A perfect circle of tales best left forgotten, while a few would seep into ones soul leaving the influence of it's radiant warmth.

Though the times were difficult, between rock and moss beauty would endure (So to speak). A sign of hope that no matter how dark the nights may be. or how often scythe would tear ground. A star of hope will always glimmer. Even if we are far too busy to notice it's flickering. This creatures life was simple for a change. and though this may bore most, in his mind it was a refreshing alteration. For all souls needed rest. Either the rest we receive under autumns shade. The fate that awaits all no matter of upbringing or status. Or the peace and pleasure we find in the simplest things life has to offer.

[Cordeliane]

She walked the earth for most of her life as a human, only discovering not too long ago she was a shape shifter, her other shape the one she changed into with easy, a wolf. She ran at night in the form of a wolf, looking to the moon and wondering if there were others out there like her hiding in plain sight. She knew the horrors of man and what they could do. She had been a victim of their hate, of their lack of respect for anything not of their kind. She also knew the kindness of humans, of the few that respected the land and animals, she had lived with them and been raised by them as a human.

But this day was not about them and all they had taught her, it was about the others, the humans who hurt and killed for pleasure. The ones who did not respect anybody or anything. It was their evilness that had her running in wolf form, had her in the form she could accept and understand. She did not understand how humans could kill one another without thought, it never occurred in the animal world, yes animals of the same kind fought, but they never intentionally killed another of their kind. Only if one was insane, a danger to the rest did they kill one of their own, or in fights for dominance it was a matter of the strongest getting the other to submit, it was not about killing. She had become a protector of sorts to the innocent humans, Violet Wolf they called her, but today she had failed, she had not stopped the death of the innocent, and it was that failure that had her running in wolf form.

She ran into the woods letting the peace of the forest calm her, letting nature sooth her hurt at the failure, the wind through her fur like the caress of nature telling her everything would be ok, the soothing touch of a mother to its child. It was that soothing breeze that had her stop in her tracks and sniff the air; there was a scent she had never encountered before, one not quite animal, not quite human. Remaining calm she sniffed the air again and headed in the direction of the scent, a lynx shifter, she followed the scent stopping not to far away from him and putting her head down and made a soft whimper noise to gain his attention. She had never encountered one of her kind before Shifter was not as common as one would think in a land filled with magic.

She would sit head down not sure how to go about speaking with him, should she shift to her human form, or remain as a wolf? With her head bowed she looked at him, with her soft violet eyes and wondered what had him out and about? Where he had come from and if there were others he knew of? She had so many questions, but she patiently wait for him to make the first move.

[Pony Swag]

Like fine spice in the spring wind the womans scent would dance underneath the Lynx nostrils long before her arrival. An aroma the Lynx found to be beguiling. His icy blue eyes following her closely as she wandered into the scene. He was as curious about this one as she was about him. Their eyes would lock if she'd permit it, as he stared into her very soul. She had a noble spirit in her, her spirit only being outmatched in beauty by those amethyst hues of hers. Though such thoughts he dare not voice. Less the situation were to become awkward. Her whimper penetrated the normal clamor of the woods. And would merely merit a simple tilt of the head as he flirted with a great deal. The verbal torpor they were in would not last long. For the Lynx grew tired of mere body language. And so he would address her through words.

"You're a shape shifter as well." He would state as he pounced off of the tree stump. His frame being engulfed in an astral blue aura as his form began to morph to that of a man. The warmth the light generated gave off the illusion of benevolence. And though he was not evil, this old soul was far from a saint. He too suffered from his own demons. As did most men and women. Slowly he would stand on both feet. His ears remaining virtually unchanged. The man was clothed in nothing more then sackcloth trousers. Displaying his poverty, however his face seemed content. For he had learned how to find happiness despite being a loner with little to no coin to his name. The shape-shifter would fold his arms, resting them upon his defined abdomen as those unnaturally blue eyes of his stared down at the wolf. His shadow over towering her.

"You have kind eyes, ones that burn with a sense of justice. This speaks well of your character. It seems my manners have eluded me." He stated as a bow soon followed. "I am known as Lynx. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. " Instantly he'll return back to his original posture. Believe it or not Lynx was quite civil. Which would come as a shock if one knew his past. Something he intentionally kept locked away from others. While at the same time never forgetting those sins which haunt him. Less he be doomed to repeat the same error.

A gentle breeze would rush through the tree line. Providing comfort on this warm day. The breeze stimulated his senses and skin, causing goosebumps to form upon his flesh. "I sense you have many questions. I can see it in your eyes, in the way you approached and even in your whimper. I am no philosopher or sage, but if you do have any questions I will answer them to the best of my ability." As he finished speaking his tail would wrap around his waist. Securing his somewhat loose sackcloth trousers.

[Cordeliane]

Belladora’s eyes met his and she shivered as it seemed more than a look passed between them, her violet eyes looked at his blue ones as if trying to understand him. She looked up at him as he tilted his head to her, and gave him a wolfish grin. Her ears flickered as if listening for something as she watched him, her head nodding to his statement of her being a shifter too. She swallowed as he began to shift her eyes going wide, she had never seen another shift, and had never seen herself. She wondered if she looked like that too when she changed form.

He was a good-looking man and as he stood over her she grinned more at him. Since he had shifted she would as well. She shook her head at him, as she did so a soft violet hue surrounded her, her ears shrunk back as did the muzzles both shrinking back into that of a human females. Long mauve colored hair covered her form as she sat there once again fully human. Belladora was thankful for her long hair as she looked at the man, unlike him she had yet to learn to shift with clothing. She had only been shifting for a few months now and hadn’t yet figured everything out.

She smiled up at him a soft blush on her cheeks as he commented on her eyes “Thank you, I try to help those I can and stop what atrocities one human does to another innocent human.” She flushed deeper at his bow and spoke softly “I am called Belladora, it is a pleasure indeed to meet you Lynx.” She looked up at him her cheeks not losing their pink color “Forgive me for not standing, I have yet to learn to shift with clothing” her voice was soft and sweet, a kind voice one that inspired trust, there was an edge of excitement to her voice as she looked at him and spoke with him.

She had her demons to deal with along with learning to shift and all that goes with it. She until this moment had thought she was alone, the last in the lands. She looked up at him her eyes full of hope as she spoke “Yes, I have many questions, I do not know where to start, but perhaps I should get one of my stashes of clothing before we continue our conversation” she gave him a shy smile before shifting back into wolf form and taking off east of where they had been.

She would reach her stash of clothing, fairly quickly; it was not too far from where they had been conversing, only about half a mile or so. Once there she would shift back into her human form and dress quickly in blue jeans and a black turtle neck. She would slip on socks and runners, before heading back to him.

[Pony Swag]

Just as every roses petal was unique, so was every woman. Which is part of the reason Lynx never tried to fully understand, rather accept them for what they are. Both the good and bad aspects of their complex character. Even now he had trouble wrapping his mind around the reasoning for her blush upon her soft face. He found the woman's frame to be alluring to say the least. And silently took note of and admired each and every luscious curve. He found the body of a woman to be an art form. And much like wine, through time his appreciation for a woman who took care of her body only grew more potent. Her hair cascaded down upon her frame like silk clinging tightly to the skin. The sight was enough to cause the shape-shifter to bite down upon his bottom lip. Reminding himself to stay focused and stray from such thoughts, at least for now. However that would be difficult considering how her body and yes tempted his sex drive. But there was a time and place for making advances. Now was not the time, but perhaps later will be more suited for such a notion.

"No need to apologize. Your body causes no offense rather the opposite." He blurted, failing to keep his mind from wandering. "I mean that in a nonsexual way of course." he'd cough, Lynx was a terrible liar. "Yes, you should cloth yourself because your beauty is far too distracting." He admitted. Watching as she rushed off to cloth herself. Lynx dared not move from his spot, less he cause unnecessary offense. Assuming he had not done so already. All the meanwhile he tried to regain control of himself. Finally he'd muster enough discipline to focus.

[Cordeliane]

Belladora flushed deeply at his words about her body and looks, she was not use to being told she was beautiful, with 7 older foster brothers she was well protected from male attentions growing up. She could remember her first date, and how they had pretty much scared the guy. She wondered how her older brothers would react to the shifter as she made her way to her things in the forest.

She returned about 5 minutes later dressed in simple clothing, a black turtle neck, one that hugged her figure and tight blue jeans. She walked up and stopped just a few feet away from him, giving him a soft smile. She touched a strand of her hair behind her ear, and spoke softly “Lynx how do you shift with clothing? I am new to the whole shifting thing, I haven’t yet figured things out, and since you are the first shifter I have encountered I am hoping you will be willing to teach me anything I need to know”

She gave him another smile looking him over, wondering where he was from and where he was going. She had money; she had a job after all and a place in the city. She could not take time off work, but wanted to spend time with Lynx and get to know him. She chewed her lips softly wondering if she offered him the spare room in her apartment if he would take it.

[Pony Swag]

Lynx waited patiently as the amethyst beauty rushed through the woods to retrieve her articles of clothing. His eyes following her until she vanished into the tree line. She was different, however whether this was good or bad had yet to be seen. Time passed, and the old shape shifter waited patiently as he leaned against the bark of an old tree. Resting under it's comforting shade as he listened to the birds. They were his spies and informed him that someone was coming. No doubt they sung of her hasty return. His arms folded across his defined chest as his eyes surveyed the scene, casually drifting towards her point of return. He watched as the swarthy sweater clung tightly to her frame. he took not of her stride and hips. But did so while exercising discretion. Less she take note of his wandering eyes.

As she drew nigh, the shape shifter would take a step forward uprooting himself from his nest. Arms still resting upon his chest as he swayed side to side. His long hair blowing in the wind as his frigidly blue hues looked with her own amethyst mirrors. She spoke to him, asking him a question. A shame, if he answered honestly he may never be able to gaze upon her bare frame. However he would satisfy her curiosity and quench her thirst for knowledge. His feline ears would twitch as he tried to muster the appropriate response. "Somethings words can not explain. I view it as merely another appendage of my body, much like an arm. It becomes a part of me and I it." He stated as he took a few steps forward. Closing the distance between them. So that he was but mere inches from her flesh. His eyes peering down at her frame as he gave her a warm smile.

He appreciated the blush that lingered upon her canvas. For it was a reminder that perhaps he had not lost what little charm he did have before his odyssey. "As I said there are few things in this worlds fail to describe. The beauty of a woman is one. Especially one as pleasant to the eyes of you." He concluded as he wrapped his tail around her waist. Pulling her close as he picked up his scent , his nostrils flaring as his hot breath tingled her sensitive flesh. "You're young. But much potential lurks in you. In due time I promise you all will be revealed. If my words regarding transforming with clothes does not make sense now. It will upon a later date. I promise you this. For just as you and the beast are one. Our bodies can connect with other materials and organisms. Much like two hearts can become one through the flame of passion." He whispered into her ear while grinning devilishly.

[Cordeliane]

Bella did not understand completely what he had said, but she would try it, not now but later back at her place where she would have some privacy and did not chance being seen by some hunter or other person. She was sure she would not get it right the first few times she tried it. She wanted to step back as he got closer but didn’t, she just looked up into his eyes and chewed her lip more her heart racing at his nearness.

She flushed deeper as he compliment her yet again, she was not use to being called pretty or beautiful, with 7 older brothers getting asked out on a date growing up was hard enough. She licked her lips softly the tip of her pink tongue running along the fullness of her lips as she looked at his mouth. She gave a soft gasp and her hands went up, resting on his chest as he pulled her close, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she stood with him like that.

A shiver went through her at the feel of his breath on her skin and she bit back a groan, she could smell his musky scent the one that was uniquely his and it made her want to press close to him, to explore the flame of passion as he called it. She swallowed and spoke softly her naturally husky voice getting more so “Does this mean you are willing to teach me Lynx? Will you come home with me, and teach me? I cannot give up my human job, nor can I afford to take time off.” She hoped he said yes, she really wanted him to. She wanted to learn from him and maybe get to know him better. She was a shy girl, it was why she worked as a librarian, she did not have much interaction with others, and it allowed her time to research her kind.

[Pony Swag]

Her invitation was a refreshing advancement on her part. But could he really enter the stone cities of men? Could he truly live without the kiss of the spirit of spring upon his flesh? Or the radiant warmth the sun provided or perhaps even the comfort something as simple as the shade of an oak tree wrought? Could he imagine a world where the songs of the wilds are replaced with the clamor of the populous? Was it even possible to synthesis with such an alien world? He drifted into a deep state of thought for a moment as silence engulfed them both. He flirted greatly with her invitation. And to no avail, for he was frighten of the change. Was there a place for him in society anymore? Or was he simply an old relic that should fade away into the wilds. A treasure meant only to grace a few fortunate souls? The life of an isolationist was his, but this woman, this stranger asked him to throw it all away and tread on a road he had yet to explore.

By nature men feared the unknown, this spirit was no different in this regard. He was subject to the same emotions as any man. For better or worse. But at the same token life was a gamble. Sometimes you have to close your eyes and dive into the swarthiness that is the unknown in order to reap the harvest. He would have to reply but how would he go about it? If he denied her notion he would sow seeds of offense. And no doubt harbor scorn. But if he agreed who knows where the chaotic spiral will lead? Perhaps if he rode this spiral he would go where he had never been before. Both a comforting yet terrifying thought indeed. As her arms rested upon his chest, she'd feel his warmth and feel his heart beat upon her palms. It's rate increasing as he pondered.

His ears flickered as he too bit down upon his lips. Finally, after locking eyes with her he would reply. "Is there a place for one such as I in your world? Though we are the same, we are also very different. You are much like a flower of the fields. I am more like the potted flower who rest upon the window sill. I can never reach into your world. I can only observe, as you can only do the same for mine." He expressed his thoughts as he placed his hand upon her cheek. caressing it ever so gently with his thumb as he continued. "If I go, our worlds will collide. For better or worse. Can you reap what we are about to sow? Can you live with the consequences of our actions and choice? If the answer is yes, Then I will walk down this road with you and enter your world." He concluded.

[Cordeliane]

Bella was frightened as well, she had asked a strange man into her home, but that is not what frightened her, it was the fear he would tell her no. She feared he would not take the leap into the unknown with her; she was in uncharted waters to begin with learning and exploring her own nature, with none of her kind to guide her and explain. As well there was the attraction to him, something she could not explain, only that her wolf liked the scent of him, and wanted his cat near.

She looked at him her eyes clam as her insides shook, she very much wanted to understand what she was, and him as well. Could there more to them, was this more than just a chance meeting, what if it was fate and he walked away from it. She was wolf and her wolf howled inside at the thought of him walking away. She could feel his heart beating and the warmth of him. She wanted to curl into it and never let it go, and that frightened her more than the thought of him walking away. She was untouched never even kissed, because of her brothers and their fear tactics.

Her eyes met his as he spoke and she listened to his words carefully, rubbing her cheek into his hand one of her covering his. She replied to his words softly “Life is but a series of chances, of beginnings and endings, yes the potted flower cannot experience all the wild flower has, but it can be transplanted into the wild to live its life, as can the wild flower be potted to spend its days watching what it knew pass it by.” She turned her face and kissed his palm softly “Lynx until recently I have lived in a world that did not know the existence of my wolf, but I entered the new world I live in with my eyes wide open. I left the only family I have ever known, they are still there but I am only partially in that world now, so jump with me Lynx, let our worlds collide and see what becomes of it. What we can make of it.” She smiled up as she nuzzled her face into his hand “ Yes, I am willing to take any and all risks, life is an adventure waiting to happen.”

[Pony Swag]

Both beautiful and wise. Her words were like the springs wind gracing the leaves of an old oak tree. Normally he'd be far too stubborn to hearken to reason. But she, much like the orchestra of the wilds weaved a spell. A song so beautifully conjured that even the most dense of trees, whose roots are firmly planted upon the ground would find themselves entranced by her. Forever dancing to her wiling tune of both limericks and rhymes. Was it possible for a stranger to hold such influence upon the old spirit? It would seem that the answer was apparent. And so as she kissed his palms, tingling his senses and soul. The shape-shifter would lean forward as his hand redirected her pleasant face towards his lips. His hot breath teasing her own lips as he leaned forward a bit. No doubt building up much tension as he replied. "All flowers wither, but if I do not reach out. Then this old soul will waste it's beauty on the pot." He concluded.

Shortly afterwards he would do something he should of done long ago. Something they both desired since their eyes locked. His lips pressed against her own ever so softly. It was sweet but simple. Often he found the most beautiful of things to be simple in execution. For was it not the little things that mattered most in our lives? Slowly he would break the kiss, his eyes peering into those enchanting amethyst hues. Those pools that reflected everything he desired. Much like the surface of a still lake reflects the potent glare of a full moon. "Then I shall take your hand and follow you through these dark lands. May i be your torch through the swarthiest of times. And may you be my guiding star as I traverse the wild seas of the unknown." He replied as he gave her a warm smile.

He knew not if his actions were too bold or direct. But at the same token he couldn't careless. For in his eyes it was necessary. He wanted to see if she felt the same fire coursing through her soul as he did his own. "Lead me to the stone jungle of men if you will." He concluded. His moist lips ever so close to her own as he spoke.

[Cordeliane]

She smiled at he turned her head her lips inches from his, oh how she wanted to lean forward and kiss him, but she was too shy, she could never make such a move. She looked at him moistening her lips with the tip of her tongue as he spoke, the tension indeed building between them. Her eyes gazed into his, his words like the pack song to her heart. He was willing to take the chance with her. When his lips touched hers so softly, so tenderly, he would feel the tiniest bit of pressure from her own as she respond shyly to his kiss. Her fingers on his chest would curl slightly in pleasure, and a soft sigh would whisper from her lips as his parted from hers.

Her eyes held her heart in them, her trust and desire for him, her willingness to learn everything he has to teach her. His poetic words caused her to smile as she squeezed his had softly. He was such a tender sweet man, and his words spoke to her in a way no others had. She could fall for this man, but would he stay? “A journey into the unknown, I will be more than your guiding star, I will be your map in to the strange world, as you will be mine into the world to which I am about to plunge.” She smiled in return and flushed softly, his smile making her heart pound.

She moved her hand from his chest and linked her fingers through his. Her eyes locked on his as her heart pounded and her senses focused on him. She leaned up on her tiptoes her mouth only inches from his and kissed him again, soft shy and tender. Her kiss was unsure, innocent and sweet. It was everything she tried to protect in the world, everything she was. She broke the kiss shortly after it began and smiled up at him “ Come let us go, I will show you where we will be residing” She would move to stand beside him, his tail still around her and start walking south and east of their location. Walking slowly as she was in no rush to get where they were going.

[Pony Swag]

A guiding star? What a sweet concept. However the shape-shifter viewed himself more like a burden then anything else. And though he would be able to provide this young woman with knowledge. He considered the weight of his ignorance to be far greater in potential consequences. He would represent her, if he caused offense within the stone forest of men. Then his actions would in turn cause others to think condescendingly upon her. The worst she could do was shape shift back to her original form without clothing. Which honestly wasn't all that bad considering her delicate frame. His worries would part much like a wave would upon connecting with a rock. As her lips teased his own. Her lips were like a drug,causing hormones long in a state of torpor to rise. To say the least, he was aroused. Slowly they'd advance through the woods, taking their time and absorbing everything his domain had to offer. Meanwhile the shape-shifter would weave a reply to her words.

"I may not be the the brightest star in the sky. But I shall try to lead you down the right course." He spoke, only hinting to his inner fears. "Yes let us go to your forest of stone and industry." He concluded. Knowing not how else one could phrase a city. Normally he viewed them as a nest from which much inner disease takes root. However referring to her home much like one would a lions den seemed unwise. "I am not use to the city world nor am I use to crowds. How does one interact and keep on track with such traffic?" He of course was referring to the sheer volume of residents and the business of their streets and markets. He concluded as they pressed onward. Waiting for a reply as they finally hit the dirt road.

[Cordeliane]

Bella smiled at his words, he was as unsure as she was. She was not so comfortable in the cities and towns either, she preferred the open air and wide spaces, maybe it was something all shifters liked, she did not know. On the shifter part of her life she knew almost nothing. She gave his hand a soft squeeze, reassuring him that everything would be ok. “Humans well they are confusing, I too am not used to such volume, the city is a big change for me from the farm I grew up on. I have found in the city most keep to themselves talking to only those they know. I have never been to a social function in the City, but if they are like the ones back home, groups of them will get together, in the city, I assume its groups of strangers, and consume alcoholic beverages dance and converse.”

She was no expert, in the town, village really, she had grown up in everybody knew everybody else, and their family and business, it was almost like living in a large pack, butt the city was different, it was almost like everybody was a lone wolf searching for a mate, and a place to belong. It was why she did not live within the city gates but had a small home just outside the city limits. Smiling she spoke more “I do not much interact with those in the city, I am a lone wolf” she giggled a bit since it was more true of her than any lone person “I work a job where I do not have much contact with others.”

As she talked they walked the dirt road, and it would not be long before her home came into sight. It was a log cabin, just outside the city gates, it was not very large and was surrounded by a garden of flowers of all colors just planted willy-nilly as if one had just tossed a bunch of seeds and let them take root. It did not look like the garden of one who had grown up on a farm, but Bella liked it that way. She had her proper vegetable garden in the back, and for meat tended to hunt in wolf form, it saved her from having to go into the city more than she needed to. She smiles as her home came into sight and whispered to him “that is home Lynx,”

[Pony Swag]

They tread upon the narrow dirt roads for sometime. Moving at a comfortable pace as they conversed with one another. The shape-shifter would listen to her words and explanation of the city world. It sounded antisocial. How could such a large population be antisocial? Only hanging with those that were within there groups? It sounded chaotic to him. "It sounds very cold to me." He spoke regarding her explanation. His icy blue hues locking with those potent amethyst eyes of hers as he spoke. "But I suppose a few drinks and some dancing is alright." He concluded, expressing minor interest. Prior to living in the woods alone for a hundred years. The shape-shifter spent his time living amongst his tribe. They were small, but lively and close. However a bit too traditional for his taste. He was not one to cling to tradition and follow it simply because it was tradition. Hopefully this city would not fall prey to a similar vice.

As they drew near the intoxicating scent of a lush array of flowers crept to him through the winds influence. and for but a moment, lingered there to tease his senses. "I smell flowers" He whispered just before her home came into view. It was outside of the city, which was good. And carried with it a sense of warm hospitality. It called to him much like an oasis does one who wanders through the harsh deserts. A safe heaven from the stone monoliths that lurked just behind those monstrous city walls. `"What is it you do for a living?" He inquired into as they approached the homes garden. At which point stray cats both near and far began to surround Lynx. Rubbing up against him and playfully clawing at him. Animals were always drawn to him, especially felines.

"Be gone my friends." He spoke before the cats dispersed. However not far enough to be out of sight and mind. "You have such a lovely home." He spoke trying to divert attention away from his feline friends.