Closed Lion, fish and tigers. [S'Essy and Firenze]

[Markus Andres]

24th of spring 515

”Gods it is beautiful up here...”

Markus whispered to himself as he watched down at the city from up one of the mountains that sheltered the city from the rest of the continent. He had found a nice rock that had been heated by Syna. Nice and warm. The view was fantastic. The knight only carried his dagger with him. Heavier weapons defeated the purpose of a peaceful hike. A lady with a growing tummy appeared in his vision and he grinned at the woman. Though he probably should not have suggested a pregnant woman to go hiking in the mountains, Markus was more than capable of carrying her back down should the need arise. But last time they had tried to see the view from up high, mud had kept them from scaling the mountains. A grin appeared on his lips as the pale pregnant Konti came into view.

”And now it looks better.” He said with a coy smile before he chuckled softly. ”Sorry, that was a little too cheesy... Even for me.” Markus reached out with a hand to help the Konti. ”How is it going? Should we have a short rest here? Or can you go on?” He would wait if the Konti needed to wait, Markus was a patient man today. He had had a good day and it was evident on the relaxed smile that he watched the city with.

After being trapped on a god-forsaken-ship for far too long, he would enjoy the simplicity of walking. Exerting himself and moving about. It was wonderful! Especially on a nice and warm day like this day. If only they had been in a different city. One that had more food to provide than a little bread and dried meat. A little cheese had been saved, but it was not much. But should be enough for a little lunch. He had attempted, but he had not found any fish, but S'Essy would have to endure without fish. The backpack was quite light. Only a little coin dangled back and forth and made a little noise once in a while. Once S'Essy was ready to go on, Markus got up from the rock and helped his lady love to her feet again.

It was not for long that Markus continued the hike, some rocks and boulders protruded from the ground. Markus stepped over a loose rock and guided S'Essy over it as well. A hand stretched out and stopped S'Essy from advancing any further. For emerald eyes were looking up at the lone tree. In the canopy he saw orange with black stripes. Syna shone directly upon the creature who looked like it had found a great resting spot in the sun.

There are tigers in petching Zeltiva? What the petch. Okay... okay... Looks like it is still sleeping. If we just back out quietly it won't notice us...

Markus held his breath as he stepped back. Onto the rock he had just helped S'Essy over. He slid. Right leg flew forward. Into the air, causing any resemblance of balance to be removed. He fell upon his ass with a flat clapping sound. Gold, silver and copper coins jangled together and made a tell-tale sound of money being shaken together. For a brief moment Markus hoped for the best.

But a single roar drove away that hope.
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[S'Essy]

It was another beautiful spring day indeed. No bad weather, no sadness and finally some relief for everyone. Just like for Markus. He was very eager since the morning. Something S'Essy could rarely see in Sunberth and she was glad it happened again. Back to their old life, if one could say that. That's why she agreed in her foolishness to go hiking with him. Not the hiking she hated, the condition she started hiking she hated. Her legs and her back were aching and crying.

But all she wanted to do was to make Markus happy and spend time with him. She didn't want to ruin his mood with her "selfishness". He was always there and helped her anyway she wanted to repay him. But dang it, she was pregnant and she had to be selfish for their child, she carried within herself. She was walking very carefully and very slowly, going up and up. Her eyes wandered to Syna's direction, her rays were touching her skin, warming her, calming her. "Oh great Goddess... give me enough energy for this." Then the pregnant Konti continued going up, where she could see her lover resting at a stone. He was so peaceful and cheerful. And attractive also. That brought a grin to her face also.

"Too cheesy? Don't stop yourself from flattering me. " She finally could stop for a moment and carefully she sat down. She placed her hand on the rock she was about to sit and slowly took her place. She was taking deep breaths, her right hand resting on her back, she was trying to stand straight. The other was resting on her big belly. She used Rak'keli's power to ease the pain on her back and legs. But she can't just keep herself healing and healing every time. She would get too exhausted. While she was resting she looked down at the city too... so wonderful sight! "Syna's light illuminating everything, it's so pretty." She could enjoy the sight herself, what the Sun Goddess provided for them.

She grabbed his hand to stand up and continue their tiring journey on the mountain. She would rely on him... she didn't know how long she could do it. As always he carried the package for them, this time though she didn't really mind that. The Healer was just silently following him when she stopped as he extended his arm. She looked up at and saw a tiger sleeping. For a moment she didn't know what to do. Be amazed by seeing one or be afraid? It was asleep, her heart was beating fast.

And then everything happened fast, he fell on his rear end. S'Essy could only see that and she quickly turned to him. "Darling!!" She yelled which also didn't help to not break the silence. Another roar from the tiger. She didn't have time to bother herself with it, quickly she grabbed his hand and tried to help him up. She even forgot she had a little pain. "Get up and let's hurry!"

[Firenze]

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Still unaccustomed to the new area Firenze walked slowly through the wooded area of the hills beyond the city. Surveying the area, she looked for a place that she could stash her things while she wandered the woods in her natural state. Trees swayed with buds, the promise of spring on the breeze. Bushes popped with fresh color along the ground, the dead leaves of the previous fall piled at the roots.

There were few small animals that skittered across the ground, but no where near the abundance of the forest that Sunberth had. It gave her a feeling of worry in the pit of her stomach, hoping that she would still be able to use the area as a source of food when it became sparse in town.

A few chimes into the wooded area and Firenze spotted a fallen tree, the bark falling off and stripped in a few places and hollowed in the center, it appeared to be the perfect spot to hide her things while she hunted. Moving with a purpose, she inspected the inside to determine if there was a nest or if any animals had already made their home within the wood. A few leaves had made their way inside the end but overall it only appeared to have been hollowed as a temporary winter home.

Folding her clothes she followed her ritual of hiding her things, tucking them as far back as she could reach to keep it from searching eyes, dissuading people from robbing her should they happen to stumble upon it. Fully naked she stood, backing up a few steps, her bare feet thrilled to be free of her boots, she checked that she couldn’t see her things sitting inside the hollow area. Confident that it would suffice, she shifted. Her orange light flashing and black sparks flying from within the light, she shook herself once her shift completed.

Stretching her front legs, her back arched in a downward fashion, tail waving back and forth at the tip, ears tipped back, she gave a large yawn. Had anyone happened upon her they would see the full set of her large teeth and long tongue curling as her mouth opened wide. A sigh of content to be in an area she found most comfortable, she shook her head, ears flopping back and forth. Fur flew lightly, catching the rays of Syna’s light as a dust mote might, her coat becoming sleek now that the Watchtower was green.

Her stomach gave the beginnings of a growl, but not quite to the point where she felt that she needed to eat at that particular moment, she felt she had some time to enjoy the new forest. Sauntering slowly, Fire weaved her way through the brush and trees, scouting the thickness and stability of each tree to determine whether it could hold her weight. A quick nap sounded perfect and perching herself in a tree sounded best. She hoped that if she napped it would keep her still long enough that the animals underfoot would regain confidence to continue their daily task, then all she would need to do would be to hop down on the fattest one and enjoy an afternoon snack. This thought gave her the motivation to make her way along small foot paths until she came to a large rock at a crest.

The rock tempted her to lie on it’s flat and warmed surface, enticed her to sun herself on it. Although as tempting as it was, she felt that it would be too exposing and she wouldn’t be able to fulfill her previous thoughts. Looking over, a few steps away a large tree sprawled it’s branches, giving her view of the city, while the branches of the nearby trees could block her from view. Perfect. Excitedly she bounded over to the tree, looking for a spot that she could easily climb up it’s bark. The backside tilted at an angle to the V of two main massive branches. Circling back away from the tree, she turned and readied herself to climb. She’d wasn’t the best at it but felt with the way that it angled she should be able to make it at least to the V, if she hung on tight enough.

Her muscles coiled and released, paws hit the soft earth, claws extending they dug into the rough bark as she jumped toward the neck of the trunk. The tough exterior gave way to the soft under flesh as her claws sank, giving her anchor to pull her weight up. Her back legs followed suit of the front, her left foot caught hold as her right slipped, missing the mark. A few more tries to get her foot attached to the tree, it caught. As she pulled, her rear pushed, her head peeking over the top, she lost the momentum from the initial jump so she tried to create a smaller thrust to get herself up.

With quite a bit of effort and struggle she managed to get most of herself up, with back legs slightly dangling, she paused to catch a breath. She’d picked out the branch that looked strongest to lie on from the ground, facing it already took most of the work of having to climb further in the tree away. Looking up she doubted that she’d be able to get to the top so she settled with the low branch.

Scooting her hindquarters, she sank her front claws into the soft bark of the newer branches and made her way to a comfortable position. Satisfied once her length stretched along the area of the branch, she let her tail hang, swishing it back and forth, her ears flipping as she listened to the sounds of the forest around her.

She watched the view of the city of Zeltiva below as her eyes closed slowly.

A loud crash, then a yell startled Firenze from her slumber. Had she been found?! The thought barely started to process as she jumped, the hair raising on her back. However, as she jumped, still half awake, she hadn’t caught her foothold on the branch and her claws scratched along the surface, struggling to catch the bark.

Panicking, a boisterous roar ripped from her throat, as one might scream when falling. Body twisting, she gave up trying to catch at the branch, as it quickly became a lost cause, instead she turned her feet under her, so that she wouldn’t land too hard. Letting her feet absorb the pressure of her weight.

She barely managed to get her front paws under her as she landed to keep her jaw from smacking the ground. Her back legs weren’t quick enough, the side of her leg hit with a loud thump. Ignoring the throbbing, she got to her feet. Surveying the area she spotted two people close by. Would they attack her?

Her hackles raised, back arched and teeth barred. She prepared herself for a fight. Slowly she moved forward. There was someone that was lying on the ground, another standing over the top. There was something off about the one that was standing… it was pregnant! The belly coming into view as she inched closer.

The faces became clearer and she stopped in her tracks. She knew these people! They were on the boat with her when she came from Sunberth! She quickly recognized S’Essy with her rounded belly. Markus laid on the ground nearby.

She chuffed a Hello! to them, excited to see people that she recognized and roared in excitement. As comfortable in her natural form as that of her human, she had not stopped to think that they might be frightened of her current appearance. Walking closer, she chattered, her whiskers bouncing as she spoke. What’re you guys doing? Did you come to play? Isn’t the view lovely? You should see it from the branch! Her eyes scanned back and forth between the pair, waiting for their response to her barrage of questions.

Others | Firenze | Thoughts

[Markus Andres]

Not good, not good, not good!

Markus did not take his eyes from the animal, even as he landed. S'Essy had called out just prior to the roar. It seemed as if the tiger jumped before it was even awake. Markus had seen the grace of tigers. Powerful muscles with excellent balanace – this tiger... Looked almost comical as it fell from the tree. Limbs first aimed for the tree, then it twisted in the air, which looked a little graceful, but the landing was far from impeccable. Markus was mesmerized for a brief moment before S'Essy's voice came through to him. For the tiger didn't seem comical any longer. Teeth bared and ears folded back in obvious aggression. Like Tara before she had found out Markus was friendly. He liked the sight of these fierce and powerful animals. They emanated a wild sense of strength and grace … Well often grace.

Markus risked a glance at S'Essy to ensure she was alright. He had seen the speed with which Tara had moved to end the life of a boar. Neither he nor S'Essy could outrun this natural born predator. Markus had the best chance... And that was simply not going to happen. If the tiger pounced, Markus might give S'Essy a couple of chimes to run on. Might was the keyword. Markus slowly got to his feet again, careful not to make any sudden movements. Didn't want to make any sudden movements that might aggravate a response from the strange tiger. For as he moved back to his feet, the tiger seemed to calm down appearance-wise, but it still made sounds that Markus didn't like to hear from a well-above two-hundred pounds predator. The tiger came closer. But something was strange. Didn't stop Markus from rising to his full height and seeming as big and intimidating as possible.

Something was different. Seemed more bouncy and movements weren't as threatening. Less like a frightening predator capable of swatting Markus aside with ease – and more like a overgrown playful tabby. Despite the sudden change, Markus stepped back when it approached and tried to remain between it and his lover. Over his shoulder he whispered gently. Not daring to take his eyes off of the oddly behaving cat.

”Easy there, easy... We're not going to hurt you.” Markus said soothingly towards the tiger. Holding out one hand with an empty palm as if the creature knew what he was signalling with an empty hand. The other reached behind him and feeling the location of S'Essy. He wished she was not here for this encounter. But since she was here...

”The meat... Get the meat, toss it to it.”

Markus hoped the offer of a free fight-less meal would placate the tigress and not leave Markus to the daunting prospect of somehow defeating a well-above two-hundred pounds predator armed only with a paltry dagger. A dagger that seemed far too inadequate for the task. Which was partly why he had not yet drawn it.

”If it attacks... Run.”

Markus spoke in a hushed voice, but one hard as the cold iron dagger by his side. He would not allow S'Essy the possibility to protest his decision. She needed to get to safety. He should've told her to run, but if S'Essy suddenly turned around and ran, that might cause another sudden shift in the tigers behaviour. One for the worse – Markus was still surprised that the tiger had not attacked them yet. Perhaps he looked more intimidating than he believed?
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[S'Essy]

Her heart was beating fast, she was breathing quickly also. She didn't miss the rush, the fear of being attacked. She had enough of those in Sunberth. And especially as pregnant, that was her luck it seemed. The Konti wasn't even sure if she could run actually. Would it be the city, surely she could solve that somehow but on the mountain. She would risk her life and the her baby's life. She was hurrying Markus to get up from the ground and let's leave from there. But they were too late, the tiger already noticed them.

As he got up, S'Essy slowly... very slowly went behind him, watching the sleepy tiger. She was focusing on her lover only. They had to get to safety, they had to get out there. The meat, he was talking about the meat. Her eyes focused on the animal in front of them. Then she turned to the bag and slowly opened it. Trying to not make any sudden movement or make any loud sound. Searching for the meat. Her hands were trembling but she found it eventually. She took it out, close his bag and showed it to the tiger.

Probably not the best tactic, what if it would jump at her for the food. She quickly threw it in front of it. She hoped it would be satisfied by it. Markus only had a dagger. Not the best probably. but she knew he could handle a weapon better than her. He could protect them with that.
Run, if it attacks. He was speaking in a way, he didn't want any comment but. No! "Yes, we run! Markus, I can't run like this from the mountain! Think a little!!" She said also in a hushed voice. Sometimes he really forgot himself or she didn't know.

But that tiger was very strange. S'Essy was staring at it for a while. It didn't seem violent at all, nor an animal which would jump at them in any chime. Its eyes were shining with excitement. Did it want to play? Nah, that would foolish wouldn't it? S'Essy had some doubts and it was also strange that a tiger was in the mountains at all. What did it do there? Or was her knowledge that bad? There were so many questions and she was whispering her doubts to her lover.

"Call me crazy but this little cat, doesn't look like an animal, who is trying to threaten us. Look at it, it didn't even attack us... And does Zeltiva have tigers around its mountains? " She asked as she got a bit brave and stepped to her side. Her hands holding his arm tightly, still she was scared but not that much. It looked almost friendly which gave her a little hope, but her legs were ready if she had to get out from there.

[Firenze]

Eyes bright, Firenze watched the pair, Markus lying on the ground and S’Essy standing next to him. Both of them watching her, they were in a stare down. She observed something off about the looks on their faces, they weren’t happy to see her? They looked almost… afraid? Why would they be afraid of her?

She walked a little closer and she noticed as they talked back and forth. Did they not want to talk to her? He got to his feet and they continued to talk but not acknowledge her questions. She almost turned around to walk away, feeling slightly dejected when Markus spoke.

They weren’t going to hurt her? Well, she hoped they weren’t going to hurt her! Why would they want to? Confusion settled over her as to why he would have said this, she turned her head back toward them, tipping it to the side. She tried to assess what was actually going on.

Her eyes followed as S’Essy inched behind Markus and then started searching their pack. This confused her all the more. She decided that maybe they didn’t recognize her, that she was too far away and they couldn’t see her face properly so then they would think that she might attack them.

Internally shrugging, she really couldn’t come up with a better answer than that. She walked closer so that they could get a better look at her so that they would know that she wasn’t a threat, S’Essy moved and her arm came from around the backside of Markus and in her hand there was a rather delicious looking slab of meat.

Mouth watering, her stomach growled loudly, loud enough that if someone was close enough they would think it was her. Her first instinct was to run over and grab the meat and thank them. However, she caught herself before doing that, considering they seemed to be frightened of her.

Her next plan of action sprang into her mind as her mind and stomach rolled. She would walk slowly, that way they would know that she wasn’t a threat, and if they tried to hurt her then she could just run. Glancing at S’Essy's stomach she figured that in the condition she was in she wouldn’t be able to keep up with Firenze, so outrunning her wouldn’t be an issue. Almost sure that since S’Essy couldn’t chase her, Markus wouldn’t either, since they were together and he would want to make sure that she was safe… right? It was a better idea than just running over and acting like a fool to satisfy the grumbling in her midsection.

Ears perked up and in their direction to catch any small sound or movement she slowly lifted one large paw and placed it in front of the other. Slowly she crouched down, trying to make herself as small as possible, hopefully making it less of a chance that they could hit her if they wanted to. Her eyes were wide, pupils dilated so that she could take everything in.

As she inched closer, her eyes never leaving the couple, her mouth watered more and she gave in to glancing at the meat briefly. S’Essy had moved, her arm still on Markus, Firenze stopped dead in her tracks. What were they going to do? Why was she moving? She only wanted to get the food.

Her eyes locked on S’Essy and down to her hand lying on Markus’ arm. A few ticks passed and it didn’t feel as though anything was going to happen so Firenze moved again. Only allowing herself to lift the front half of her to get close enough to grab the meat with her teeth. She opened her mouth and sank a canine into the edge of it. As soon as she felt she had a hold on it she back peddled a few feet.

Crouched down to the ground, the prize now being savored, she kept her eyes open and focused on S’Essy and Markus as she chewed. The meat didn’t last long, as hungry as she was, but as soon as she swallowed it she felt relief as it hit her stomach. Then a feeling of guilt followed as she realized that she didn’t have anything to give back to them.

Glancing around, she realized that she could probably run to her pack and get them one of the tattered furs that she had tucked in it. Would she be able to run over there and get back without them leaving? She did a back track in her mind of the path that she took over here. It seemed feasible, it would only take her a couple of chimes to get over there if she ran quick enough, then a few chimes back. The meat was giving her a nice burst of energy so she felt confident enough to be quick.

Comfortable that they wouldn’t hurt her, she turned her attention away from them and darted off past the trees. Her tail swished back and forth, helping to keep her balance as the pads of her feet struck the ground. Dust kicked up from the patches where the grass hadn’t grown in yet. The log came into view and she sniffed around on the ground to ensure her scent was there and that another animal hadn’t been in the area. Satisfied with what her nose was telling her she peaked into the hollow side, the items still tucked away she pawed at her sack. Her claws catching, she yanked it out and fumbled at opening it with her teeth.

It was a bit harder than she anticipated trying to open the sack. Her tooth had caught on a soft part of the fabric and ripped a hole in it. Eventually her nosed nuzzled the rope loose enough for her to get her mouth in and she grabbed some of the fur with her teeth. Two pelts came out, a little tattered, they were still mostly intact… mostly.

Not bothering to lace the top back up she dropped the fur on the ground, took the bag in her mouth and swung it with her head. Releasing as it neared the hollow, trying to get it back in, it bounce off the edge and landed at the opening. Her brow furrowed as she sat down near it, trying to figure out how she would get it back in. By then her few chimes had passed and she didn’t want Markus or S’Essy to leave without getting their gift.

She stood and turned, kicking with her front paw backward, she tried to push it into the hole, it slumped over it’s contents rolling around, half hanging in the hole and half out. She continued to paw at the ground, kicking up the dirt and a few meager dead leaves in the direction of the bag. It wasn’t a very good job of hiding, but some of the leaves had made it onto the bag, the others littered around it. Fire made a mental note to come back later and fix it.

Grabbing the fur back into her mouth, she started off back toward the couple, glancing back briefly at the bag, worry trying to nag at her. Continuing her lope, she bounded through the brush in the direction that she’d come from. A few moments later she rounded the tree where the pair had been before.

Others | Firenze | Thoughts

[Markus Andres]

It seemed the tiger kept a slow, buy steady advance toward the two. S'Essy was working hard to grab the meat. He could feel her rummaging through his backpack. He really hoped it would work. To bribe the overgrown tabby with meat. If not, it was going to be a fierce fight. When she stopped and crouched low. Was that to prepare for a pounce towards the two? Was this a maneater? Markus took a deep breath and muscles tensed ever so slightly. Preparing to withstand the full weight of a tiger. Markus felt his heart beat faster than it had since Sunberth. He found it to be a pleasant sensation. He liked the sense of uncertainty. The steady pumping of adrenaline. He saw his lover reach out with the meat. Like feeding a pet. He almost slapped the meat out of her hands, but S'Essy realized her mistake before Markus could react. She threw the meat to the tiger who had advanced at the sight of meat. He swore he could see the tiger's eyes light up with glee when it saw the meat. As it was tossed, the tiger approached cautiously before backing off from the two. Soon the meat Markus had hoped could have been part of their own lunch had been consumed by a predator. It was a little mesmerizing watching the great animal eating.

Markus saw, with surprise, that the tiger turned around and darted away from them. He let out a sigh of relief as he turned to S'Essy.

"I don't know. I never saw any tigers when I was a kid... But it could have migrated." Markus shrugged before he gave his lover's shoulder a squeeze. Took care not to accidentally bump against her tummy. "Phew. But that was close. And I think you are right. There was something different about this tiger." Markus had only seen a tiger once before in his life and that had happened to be a friendly kelvic. Could he be so lucky twice in a row?

Markus felt a strange feeling. He looked at her, contemplating scolding her for the response to him telling her to run. Instead he gave her a soft smile and knelt. Put a hand on her tummy. "Poor little girl, didn't get to see the wild tiger. And didn't get to see her brave mother in action." Markus felt his heartrate slow down. A little excitement to make him feel alive. But despite his irrational desire to actually try and fight a tiger unarmed, he was rather pleased that nothing violent had come of the encounter. He wondered where the tiger had run off to? Probably far off to get away from the two strange people. He rose to his full height again. "I think we should get going. Find a peaceful place to eat the rest of our lunch." He paused briefly. He thought he heard something. Was the tiger returning? Twigs and brush being disturbed. Markus turned towards the sound and true enough, a tiger came around a tree in full force.

Markus stared at the tiger. Unable to comprehend what it was carrying in its mouth. Had it found a stash of food and brought that? Only as the tiger came closer did Markus realize that this was not an entire animal. Only the skin. A tattered one at that. Undoubtedly because the tiger had bitten through the skin when it had hunted it down. This tiger was definitely intelligent - or else it wouldn't bring a trade for the meat. Probably a kelvic, but if so, why had he/she not shifted into their human form? Or was it something else that caused this creature to be intelligent. The tiger dropped the skin on the ground.

"Is this for us?"

Markus took a deep breath and approached. Slowly. One hand dropped onto the skin when he was close enough. He put it behind him with a cautiously slow movement. Didn't dare to look away. He hoped S'Essy understood the movement for her to come and pick it up. Then he came a little closer. Steps small and slow until he was close enough to reach out to the tiger and touch her. He took a deep breath as the right hand slowly came forward. If the tiger made any angry roars, he would pull the hand back immediately. If not, he would continue reaching out until he could scratch the tiger behind her left ear. Markus could hear his heart beat like crazy. At this range, he had no time to react if the tiger turned aggressive. But he hoped that the tiger was a kelvic and that said kelvic didn't mind being petted.
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[S'Essy]

Her heart was still racing, but she calmed down as she saw the tiger gladly accepted the food. Their meat. It was a small price for not being consumed by a tiger in Zeltiva. In the same time, it was an interesting thing to see. A tiger eating a meat calmly. Then it just turned out and went away from them. In all honesty she didn't mind, it was enough excitement for her for one day. It was already stupid of her to come up there in this condition.

As she was right, tigers shouldn't be common in Zeltiva, he didn't remember any either. It was also very unlikely that it was migrated from somewhere. No, that didn't sound right to her. But it was gone and they could enjoy themselves further. Maybe could use her gift from Syna to check, if there's anything else there? But before she could even do that, he gave her a reassuring squeeze then a smile and knelt down.

She looked down with a smile also as he put his hand on her big tummy. She raised her eyebrows at the word brave. That was one way putting it. "Brave. Well. I know my Common is not that great but I still know the meaning of it. But thank you darling. I think, she is better of not seeing this moment. Not for now anyway." She put her hand on his caressing it. It was time to move on or rather settle down somewhere. Like at the spot where the tiger was sleeping. It was warmed by Syna and looked big enough for them. She just wanted to sit down finally... her legs were killing her. "Can't we just sit down the---" She was interrupted by the sound. Was it coming back? The meat wasn't enough for it.

Her heart was beating fast again. Not again. It came with a something in its mouth. It seemed like another animal or such. As it was coming she could see it was a skin which it placed down in front of them. This creature was definitely not a general tiger. Maybe a kelvic? Or ... a really intelligent animal but it was stranger and she wasn't that scared anymore from it. "Yes. I think this is for us." She answered silently. Well, it was just logical. It left it right in front of them. It ought to be for them.

He was going closer and also put the skin behind him. She went there to pick it up. A strange gift but a gift. A gift from a tiger, she wasn't picky anyway in this matter. But she couldn't deal with this too long as he was going closer and closer to it. She hoped that it was a kelvic or a really well-tamed tiger. She wanted to run there and keep him away, but also she was curious. Also, any sudden movement might just cause them trouble. "Be careful , please!" She silently told him.

[Firenze]

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Markus grabbed the fur she dropped, S’Essy picked it up and Fire’s eyes followed their movements. Then Markus began to move closer and Firenze’s eyes narrowed. What was he doing? She chattered softly at him, almost as if she were trying to ask him. Her head moved back slightly, watching him. Ears tipped forward, the little tufts at the tips swaying. She didn’t know what to make of what he was doing. Was he trying to touch her? With S’Essy watching? Weren’t they together?

For a moment she tried to figure out what he was doing and then came to the conclusion that this must be his way to greet her, since she couldn’t exactly shake his hand. Well, she could but it might seem odd for her to put her paw on his hand to shake, wouldn’t it? Shaking her head, she chuffed almost as if she were laughing at the thought of her trying to shake hands. Such a funny thought for a tiger and a human to do.

It surprised her that they didn’t seem to be scared of her in her natural form. Firenze had always been cautious because Jill had told her to be, that people would kill her if they knew. But.. that was back in Sunberth. This is Zeltiva. Maybe things would be different? She hoped so! Sunberth had started to creep the dark trendles of fear, hatred and sadness that seemed to loom in the shadows into her heart. She didn’t want to be that person. The person she’d started to become, she left behind in that city. This was supposed to be her start over. Sure, the pain and memories were still there but they seemed to have… dulled. As though the frozen ocean they drifted through on their journey slowly washed away some of it piece by little piece as they got closer to their new homes.

As soon as the surprise of them not fearing her happened, another surprise began. Her head tilted toward his hand. What was this? She’d never felt anything like it before but it felt so good! Her tongue lolled out of her open mouth and she leaned further in. Her lids became heavy but she watched Markus, trying to let him know that whatever this magic was to continue because it felt amazing.

Turning her face in, she pushed her nose against his hand, rubbing her cheeks against him, flattening the thick fur that stuck out. A purr rumbled low in her chest and her legs and head became heavy. It was making her sleepy but awake at the same time, she wanted him to rub her more and scratch the places that she always had difficulty reaching.

Flopping down onto her side, she forgot that she was trying not to scare them, and threw her large paw over his arm. Reaching up with the other paw, she circled his arm and tried pulling it closer to her head. Waiting to see if he would pet her more. Continuing to rub her face against his arm. Her mouth open and her breathing slow, her exposed belly rising and falling.

Others | Firenze | Thoughts

[Markus Andres]

The knight heard the plea from behind him, a plea for caution. He wasn't entirely sure how he would go about being careful petting a tiger. Not yelling obscenities at it while doing so? His hand sunk into the fur and he was a little amazed at the position he was in. He had petted a tiger before, but then he had been one hundred percent sure the tigress was intelligent and kelvic. This he wasn't entirely sure. The fur felt thick and soft against his touch. It felt good. But the reaction of the tiger surprised him more, it let him scratch it behind the ear. He sent a quick glance in the direction of S'Essy who was still worried and smiled to her, a calm joyful smile to her. It felt amazing to pet such a graceful animal. She, as far as he knew, had never petted a tiger - or any other sort of wild animal. The wild tiger's tongue stuck out and hung from the mouth and Markus made a warm smile. It was good to see the creature enjoy his touch. At least that meant he was not about to be mauled.

The heavy tiger leaned in against him. Head turned and the nose was pressed against his arm. Was she getting to know his scent? Would she track him down for thousand of miles to obtain another scratch behind the ear? Then came the sound. The purring. Louder. More rumble in it as he could feel the reverberations on his hand. It was simply amazing. To hear a tiger purr from this close. They were in many ways just overgrown house cats. Large enough that people didn't want them as pets, but still graceful and beautiful to watch. Now that he was closer, he could see the stripes and the colours better. It was a mesmerising pattern.

The apex predator fell onto her side. One paw was thrown onto his arm. It made him smile even wider. For the claws were not extended. This was a calm tiger. A calm and happy tiger who obviously wanted him to continue. The other paw came up and drew his other arm closer to her head. Wiggling a hand a little free from her grasp, he let it gently slide down and scratch the tiger at the back of the jawline. As he knelt next to her. He also took a glance at the exposed belly. He had once petted a cat around that area. That had turned him into a pincushion. Claws extended and trapped his innocent hand in a piercing hell. So he was not about to pet a tigers belly. Despite how warm soft and inviting it looked. Though it looked like this was a female tiger. At least he didn't see any obvious signs that it was a male. Often easier to spot than females. He gave S'Essy another big smile.

"This is amazing! Come, I think I might need some help here. It does not look like I can scratch enough places to keep her purring." The grin widened a little. If only he had more food, might even have a tiger eating out of his hand. Then again, might also eat his entire hand. He had seen how she had downed the food they had thrown her earlier. Her whiskers poked him in the face. They were thick, but he didn't mind it at all. This moment was great and he wanted S'Essy to partake in such an amazing thing.


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