Wondering... (open)

[Fiaza]

Fiaza was tired, no doubt, but she could sense that there was feline civilization. The cheetah was one of the luckiest going, she hadn't run into a single equine or canine. Damn things are impossible once you run into them. The sun beat down on her golden back but after a while of it she didn't even notice. It was times like these where she was upset she could retract her claws. They helped when running but simply walking anywhere posed a difficult thing to fix, the dirt that got stuck. Only the quick cheetahs had to think of that situation and it didn't seem to bother others to badly but it drove Fiaza up a wall.

If it wasn't for her walking for weeks (or was it months), the cheetah would be running like she was fighting for her life. She had already done that once she got banished because she had to hope that the chief back there wouldn't decide to kill her and send out some troops. It would have been easy too. That particular cheetah hated physically fighting, Fiaza just didn't think that was lady-like. The cheetah was an image of the crown and she didn't think that it was proper to do so.

Her thirst swollen tongue was not happy but there wasn't any water around so there was no hope for it. Her tortured feet had no relief either. Neither did her sleepy eyes or empty stomach. Even with all of these minor defects, the cat kept on. Praying to the mighty spirits that they would bring her a cat to keep her company. It was unusually lonely out there for weeks on end. Fiaza loved company but many times company didn't like her. Other felines say that she is too sarcastic, negative, unpredictable, or down right spazzy. Obviously the poor cheetah didn't think of herself this way, as many others don't think of themselves having faults, and she would just ignore it or lash back in words.

The cheetah sat down, allowing her paws to be released from their painful hold. She swore that they even sighed with relief. Now the only thing she wished for was a visitor. To chat with and show her the way back to civilization. It was her only wish at that moment, besides food, drink, and shade.

[Paxx]

You're a strange cat, you know that, Paxx? Why leave the comfort of the castle...Just why? Any of the guards could easily bring you back food, you don't have to get it yourself, you fluff ball...You can be so strange.
Voices, they echoed in the skull of an indeed fluffy snow leopard. This cat was out in the dead lands for what seemed no reason at all on this hot morning. This was the one place in the feline kingdom that they could walk without treading in 4 feet of water. The dead lands were somewhat of a home to Paxx, for they were very desolate, and often not many cats traveled through here. This land was often very hollow, and did not home many strangers, strangers that Paxx did not intend to befriend anyway.
This oracle was a quiet one, perhaps some were more social than she, but she wasn't every other oracle out there. Paxx had always been an anti social cat, but always seemed to find herself in the paw of another cat.
It was almost as if the spirits wanted her to be somewhat social with other felines. If the spirits wished for her to see others, then so be it, but on her own she wouldn't dare speak to another.
It had been a rough night, the constant whining of prisoners in her chamber. Loki had given her the task of rendering prisoners helpless and bending them to her will; she she gladding enjoyed. At first glance this cat did not look like the kind of cat that would enjoy the howl of pain; but it was quit the opposite. If her master wished the brutal torture of another living creature, then with all enjoyment this feline would carry out the task ten-fold.
The night was tough, it was not often that a prisoner wouldn't break at the first few rounds of pain, it was only then that the creature kept her up all night. The night was long, and filled with howls. No sleep for this cat. One thing that Paxx enjoyed, was sleeping. Like any big cat this kitty enjoyed her beauty sleep, all 12 hours of it--on a good day--.
What directed this feline to the dead lands she did not know, perhaps it was peace and quiet. yes, that was what it was, to relinquish this headache that burned in her skull.
Maybe, just maybe a small conversation with another cat -instead of the spirits- would lift her moods.

[Fiaza]

Fiaza watched the openness, nothing was out there quite yet. She wondered if she was going the right way to find other felines. The cheetah refused to give up. One more week she thought to herself. The golden cat slowly got up onto her paws again and began to walk. The break was a nice one, peaceful and quiet. As she scoured the brittle desert for any living life forms, feline or not, she came across something she thought might. There was a white form in the distance, she couldn't quite make it out but the animal or mirage brought her a sliver of hope. Suddenly, the cheetah shot forward, launching herself toward the thing. Her legs pushed with the thought of civilization near. The image became clear quickly, it seemed to be a snow leopard. She quickly turned out of it's way and slowed down. The cat came back to the presence of the creature. It was decided that the snow leopard was probably the Oracle of this kingdom. The spirits must have known she was coming and the feeling that the spirits here already knew her gave her comfort. Fiaza was quick to bow in the presence of the cat, better to have bowed for a snow leopard that wasn't an oracle than to not bow for one that was.

"Hello spirited one," She let her head up and sat back down in front of the cat. "I have come here in search of the feline kingdom, I would like to be a messenger here." Fiaza was usually not this straight forward with what she wanted but this was the Oracle. If the cheetah didn't tell her the spirits would and she wanted to be the one to communicate her feelings (not that she didn't like the spirits or anything.)

OOC: Sorry it's a little short, I didn't have much time and wanted to reply

[Paxx]

Paxx did not intend to follow up on another cat on this fine day; she intended to keep herself to herself and mind her own business. She very rarely saw big cats her, for the only ones that usually called this place their hunting ground were lion prides. Lions were lions, and would stay were they were comfortable, some place warm and dry. Paxx found this place a usual hunting ground for not many frequented this deserted landscape.
Not many new comers were common either; if you were born into this kingdom, it was where you stayed, and lived your entire life. Those who were new did not find it very appetizing, for it was not what they grew up with. New comers were not the most favored either; coming in as immigrants and taking jobs of others that have lived their entire life here. Their life was hard no matter what. Finding yourself in a new home and attempting to fit in would not be very easy for a new kid anyway.
Paxx noticed the dark golden figure coming towards her. Her fur bristled along her spine, and she narrowed her eyes. Her paws were ready to do whatever damage she could with a swipe to the face. She did not like to be charged at, and if this runner did not stop, they would find a nice scar across their muzzle. Paxx noticed the creature come to a stop. A cheetah. They were interesting felines; beautiful pelt, and were renown for their fast speed. The cheetah greeted her with respect, either this cat was new; for she had never seen her before, or she knew her some how.
So the cat was new. She thought to herself with a puzzled look. What to do with it. Should she take it to Loki? No, he was far too busy either dealing with Renn's flirtatious appeals, or a trouble maker that need punishing. The chief had better things on his mind then dealing with a pesky feline.
Renn bowed her head gently in a welcome and acknowledgment. She nodded at the cheetah understanding what she was saying. She could see this cheetah put to good use for its ability to run as fast as it could.
"Hello. So. You wish to be a messenger? Why. I do not see why not, you are a cheetah, you are fast, stealthy, quick; I think we will find a place for you, kit." She purred gently under her breath, she would tell the cheetah what she needed to know, and get any useful information out of the cheetah herself.
Paxx moved herself to a fallen log and placed herself down onto it, using it as a resting place. The cat flicked her tail and twitched her ears; the two were not alone.
"Tell me about yourself, cat. I am interested..."

[Fiaza]

Fiaza was giddy with the thought of being put to use again. Doing nothing was just not her forte. The cheetah sat up straighter, trying to put on a better look to make sure she became a messenger again. The only thing that worried her is that they had an excess of cats to do the job and it would be pointless. Fiaza was determined to come out on top, if that was the case. The golden pelted feline watched the leopard as she went over to sit on a fallen log. There really was no hiding with the Oracle, she had The Spirit on her side. You just couldn't fight that.

"To put it simply, Oracle, I was banished from my home land." Fiaza hung her head it shame. It was something she wasn't proud of and no one should be proud of something like that. Some cheetahs with her personality boast about the amount of kingdoms they have been banished from. This particular feline did not, it just wasn't the formal thing to do. Fiaza loosened up a little, this certain Oracle wasn't like some of the ones back in her origin land. This snow leopard was much more relaxed and less in your face. She liked that about her.

"May I call you something other than Oracle, oh spirited one?" Fiaza had a liking to this one and was curious as well but knew that even the question of the Oracle's name could get her punished. At this point in time, her only priority was becoming a messenger. Getting herself a job again is really something she needed. A purpose.

The next topic that rolled through her mind was the chief. Was he going to be nice? Would he take well to another feline in the tribe, as many did not? Would the leopard accept her easily or will he make her preform tasks to gain her trust? Endless questions spun through the cheetah's mind. Fiaza wouldn't ask the Oracle though, she didn't want to upset her in any way. Being new around here is just hard.

[Paxx]

Paxx dwindled her paw along the side of the log, pushing her claws into the log, and pulling them out. She looked at her paws as she listened, as if playing with a toy. The cat twitched her ears, as if she was listening for others; not just herself.
"There are many names you could go about speaking to me, Cheetah. One could say I was the one who walks with spirits, others would simply call me the oracle; but I do have a name as it was given to me at birth. You may call me Paxx, kit." The oracle played with her paw as she spoke. She moved it about as if she attempted to speak with it; or speak to it. She twitched her tail and ears; she seemed to be getting a good vibe from this feline; so she did not have much to worry about.
No doubt Paxx was troubled, she did not like to be around those odd felines she called civilians. She did not usually talk to them, she tended to stray from them; but when she has to, she puts on a calm and collected face. Then, recalling what the cat had said about herself, she turned her complete attention to the cat, and twitched her ears, as if examining her soul with not but her eyes, but her ears: listening to her heart beat; hearing her soul it seemed.
"Banished you say. That is not one thing to be proud of my dear. Now, I doubt that it will be a warm welcome for you here; but trust me when I say that once you have gained your place here; you will not be disappointed. Welcome to the kingdom. To your other kingdom, good riddance. you are here now, and it is meant to be. We are currently in need of a new messenger as ours met a horrible demise....or, perished under certain circumstances." She purred her words out, she moved her words gently with her voice, and twitched her ears.
She watched the cat with large eyes, watching her like a hawk and its prey.

[Fiaza]

Fiaza closed her eyes and pricked her ears forward, listening to the voice of the Oracle. It was soft and welcoming making the cheetah happy to be around a warm spirit. No wonder the spirits liked her so much.

"Paxx, never heard a name like that. Very unique." Fiaza said, opening her eyes watching the grey feline on the log. "You may call me Fiaza but kit works just as well too. The cheetah purred lightly. If everyone was like Paxx, the cheetah would definitely enjoy her stay here. More questions zoomed in and out through her mind. Where would she stay? Would everyone be friendly towards her? Was the group very large? Would others resent her for becoming messenger? Was it hard to hunt here? The questions were pushed out of her mind as Paxx began to speak again.

"I know Oracle Paxx that my past has not been a good one but I can promise you and the tribe that I will try to be the best I can be for the future." Fiaza couldn't help but hang her head. If she had any insecurities, that would be it. Being banished was not something she liked but it was for a healthy cause. The old chief was a nonproffesional one and used her to his advantage to things other than passing on messages. She shook her head and looked up at the Oracle.

"Thank you, Paxx for welcoming me into your kingdom. I am so glad that I can be of assistance now to you and your leader." It felt so good to be doing something again. Fiaza enjoyed the snow cat's presence greatly and held her sarcastic tongue. She liked this cat and knowing she was an Oracle didn't scare her but put her back into her place. Having a place again made the female feel complete once more.

[Paxx]

Paxx twitched her ears watching the feline move about. The cheetah as a slender one, built for running, which was just what this kingdom needed. A strong messenger to move their words to and fro, during battles; and times of piece. Paxx knew the dangers of being a messenger, it was not an easy job, but as willing as this cat was to be one, she might as well give it to her. Her tail moved back and forth, she was anxious for a meal, she had not eaten in days, her work kept her too busy for food. The cat lowered her head against the log, using it as a pillow.
:I must warn you, kit. This is not an easy job. Clearly if you have been one before you know of the dangers. Now. If you are ready for this job then I suggest first you get settled here. it will not be easy for this tribe is not too warm to new comers. But I feel you will find your place here with ease, just get to know the correct felines...and keep away from the slaves; they are trouble...Not everyone here is equal." There was a slight hiss that dripped from Paxx's voice. She wanted this new comer to be welcome, but she knew that it was hard to be the new cat, for she was one the new cat.
Long ago, before Paxx took her place as the oracle, she spent her younger years in the temples. these temples were on the far ends of the feline grounds, far past the dead lands and wetlands. these temples did not see the social life many grew up with; Paxx was a stranger to all species and creatures. Paxx grew up isolated, her and her teacher, studying the ways of the world and spirits. She grew up with her spirits, and has carried them her entire life, she was not a mock oracle that took the role without knowledge of the spirits. This cat grew up, ate, slept, and breathed with her spirits, they were her life. When time came to join the feline tribe, her welcome was not pleasant but not cruel. This cat was not used to other cats, and it could have been her mind playing tricks on her, but to her; her welcome was cold. She did not want anything to do with the other cats, and it even took weeks to get used to her new Master, Loki.
"Your future looks bright, kit. I will put your name in as our messenger, and you shall have your rank. But now, please. find your place among the citizens. They are your family now." Paxx nodded her head as she itched her paw into the ground. She moved sand about with her paw, as she stared the cheetah down with her dark blue eyes.

[Fiaza]

Soon enough, the cheetahs restless body became more aware of what was going on with it. She was both dehydrated and starving. The spotted cat knew that it wasn't proper to interrupt the Oracle. Fiaza slowly allowed her body to lay down on the ground. Her eyes never left Paxx, making sure to make it easy to notice she was listening.
"I have lived my whole life for this job. I have sent messages for two years now. Don't worry, I am fully aware of all of the dangers. the cheetah nodded her head. "Thank you for your support, great Oracle. I hope that with time, many will accept me into their lives but there is no sure fire way." Fiaza lied her head into her paws, listening to the wise words of of the holy one. Her mind slowly turned from the snow leopard to her memories. She thought of her earliest memories of her mother teaching her the ways of the message. Thoughts rolled to her first mission, an easy one, delivering a scroll to the equines. Some danger was included but in comparison the feline was more powerful than any of those ponies. Then she remembered her most important mission, delivering the message of war to the canines.

"Thank you so much, Oracle! I will not let you down." Fiaza sprung up into a stand. She bowed many times towards the holy one. The cheetah was so glad that someone was on her side for once in a long time. Ever since her mother died she hasn't had anyone that liked her for her.

[Paxx]

Whilst the cheetah spoke and moved about; Paxx began to examine the new comer more intensely. This cheetah was from a far away land, that was for sure. As she looked into the cheetah, she dove deeper to find the cheetahs meanings. She looked at the cheetah as if she was looking into its very soul with her deep rich blue eyes. She could see all of the cheetahs troubles and past with her eyes, nothing escaped this oracles vision. She could see into the windows of the felines inner world; her mind, her spirit, her soul. In less than 5 minutes the cat knew everything she needed to know about this restless feline.
"I have complete Faith in you, kit." Paxx nodded as she moved her paw about along the ground. Paxx began to dig markings into the ground, markings that could only be made out if you spoke its language. This cheetah could be useful to paxx, in more ways than others.
"I think I have a job for you to do, kit." Paxx sat herself back up. The oracle straightened her posture and began to ruffle her fur back into place. She lept from her sitting place and wandered back toward the cat. She moved with grace, it appeared almost as if her feet did not touch the ground. She moved with elegance, as she had been trained her entire life.
Paxx's entire world was centered around self respect, spirits, the holy of holy, the entire spiritual world was her world. She grew up in the temples in the north, and there she had left behind her past, one she wished to revive once more.
This oracle missed her home; her temple. Her old teacher, old master could by some chance still be around that was true. He was old, but with the ancient oracle ways he found ways to live past normal years. The last time Paxx saw her teacher, he was reaching the old age of 25 years. Paxx had never known a snow leopard to live that long; but with black magic and dark voodoo, anything was possible one way or another.
"You see. My home, it is very far from here, and I wish to speak with my previous teacher on certain matters. I wish for you, brave messenger to cross the lands to deliver a message for me. Now, this is a dangerous journey. To get there, you must cross a stretch of canine ground, but if you paint yourself with white paint on your paws, they will know you are simply a messenger. That is our symbol for a peaceful messenger in this kingdom. Please do so, and you will be rewarded for this job.Do we have a deal?" Paxx lifted her eye brow muscle, looking at the cat, what kind of creature would turn down such an adventure?

[Fiaza]

"That means much to me, Oracle Paxx." The cheetah respectfully bowed. Her stomach growled so loud she was afraid that the holy one would hear. Fiaza didn't want the snow leopard to take offense to her growling stomach and the spotted feline quickly sat down to hide it. It was hard for the cat to focus on the leopard for her stomach growled with intensity as a stubborn lion and her mouth was as dry as the dirt between her outstretched claws. She had never felt longing for food and drink as she did then. The snow leopard began talking of a mission and she couldn't refuse, it was her way into the kingdom.

"Paxx, if you would show me the direction of this teacher and the
coloring for my paws I will do anything your mind coukd imagine." The cheetah proudly stood up but as soon as she tried to walk any further the strong paws of the cheetah gave out. Fiaza toppled to the floor. Her hunger had gotten the best of her, once she found some food she would run twice as hard as she did before. Quickly the cheetah got up from the harsh ground and bowed to the Oracle. She wasn't mad, was she?

"Deepest apologies, I haven't eaten in a couple of weeks and I'm in need of some food. That can surely wait though, I am your messenger and wish to serve you."

[Paxx]

Paxx watched the cat with her eyes. Her eyes were a rich dark purple, an unnatural color that rarely made its appearance in a feline. This color was a dark magic color, symbolizing her ties to the dark arts. The eyes of the feline were stuck on the cheetah, watching her like a hawk.
Paxx could tell the cat was hungry, this was true; and she was not surprised that the cat finally let herself fall. Paxx felt remorse for the creature, and knew she had to help this kitten up onto her feet.

"Do not apologize, kit. You have been on the run for many moons, it is not an issue. If you can muster your strength to make it to my castle, there you will be fed and taken care of. Once that is completed I expect that you will get onto your new duties. It is very important that I speak with my old teacher. You must be well rested for the journey."

Paxx got to her feet and took herself off of the log and wandered over to the cat. She looked her over, she was in a bad state and needed food. She knew that this oracle could help and she would; that was for sure.

"You are brave. Going this long without food however is not smart, cheetah. Come with me."
With that the feline began to move herself along the horizon. The white leopard went out for a meal; but instead found herself with a new messenger. It was a very useful day. This cat would be put to use; hopefully it would last longer then the previous messenger. Messengers from this tribe were not in the best of shape and Maybe this cat could pull them out of it; and actually have their messages delivered.

[Fiaza]

Fiaza could feel the purple eyes watch her intenlty but it did not make her feel uncomfortable. Quite the opposite in fact, she felt loved almost. A feeling the cheetah had not felt in a while. The felines in her old kingdom did not like her, despised her in fact. Everyday, the queen would make her go on a wild goose chase to find unnessesary items. After everyday, Faiza would get criticized for not having the marks of leopards. Their comments made her sarcastic and bitter. They also taught her that her rank is her life, you live your rank and you are nothing else. She was made especially submissive towards the holy one. The queen and king would threaten her that if she wasnt submissive towards the Oracle that she would curse her. The cheetah didn't doubt their remarks about their spirited one. Paxx didn't scare her like thenlast couple, she seemed like she genuinely cared about her.

"I can not thank you enough. I am a stranger in your land accepting me, a lonely cheetah." Fiaza mustered her strength and bowed many times. This snow leopard was so kind to this stranger. The cheetah couldn't have been more thankful.

"The journey was hard without food or water was quite a detriment to my health but I got here and to me that is all that matters. I can not thank you enough though for inviting me into your home." Fiaza bowed one more time before following the leopard close behind her. It was an insult to walk beside her or in front of her, so she stayed in the back. It was her only hope that Fiaza would be totally accepted by her peers but by the king, queen, and the holy one.

[Paxx]

It was true. a cat's rank was in fact their life, and Paxx followed this. It was difficult for a feline to gain anything above the rank they were born into. This feline, Paxx was a true believe in this kind of social ranking, this was true. The cheetah was born into the rank of a messenger, so naturally this cat would be easily taken in to this kind of social class.
Paxx was born into the class of an oracle; and she took this class with pride.

"Do not stress yourself about it, cheetah, however; I must warn you..." Paxx had a darker side to her. This docile feline was not at all calm and collected. Yes, this cat had a very quiet demeanor and a friendly attitude; but there was a reason she was an oracle. Oracles were not just communicators, but they were sorcerers. The white snow leopard was not just a fluffy little mess of fur, no. Paxx was indeed a fierce cat, and sometimes would forget the cruelty that she could let loose on others. She could be frightening and often didn't realize why so many kits were afraid of her.
Paxx looked back at the other feline, her deep purple eyes glaring at the cheetah, staring right through her. Paxx's fur began to shift and sway, and the winds around the cheetah took up in a powerful rush. The snow leopard's eyes glowed a deep and violent purple, her ears twitched, for she was not alone. Paxx took one step toward the cheetah, and a thunderous noise that could only be heard inside the cheetahs head made a loud and violent crash.
Inside the mind of the other feline, was soon to be the playground for the oracle, she could bend it, destroy it; whatever she wished to prove her point. This cat was not to be taken lightly, that was for sure.
Paxx bared her fangs, they were large and sharp, as she let out a hiss at the other. The voices of thousands began to erupt around them, the ghosts and spirits from beyond were making their presence known. These voices were mostly the soothing lullaby's to Paxx, or the nightmares to others. Paxx looked at the cheetah head on, giving her an enchanted look.
Before the other feline could react, Paxx seemed to disappear and merge into the surroundings; like a ghost in the fog. The apparatus that was Paxx could shift and control her black magic at her paw. The oracle would reappear, she did not disappear into thin air, never to be seen again. Paxx would emerge from her hidden shadows to be behind the cheetah. She hissed in a deep stormy way. Paxx could be very intimidating when she needed to be.
"Listen to me and listen well, cheetah. I am not to be messed with and I will make sure of it that if anything you do is out of line; will not go unpunished. Do I make myself clear? Do not cross me, feline. I want to warn you now before things turn sour..." With that the oracle disappeared once more into her invisible shadows. The cat stalked among the air, and hid inside the wind. She reappeared with her large purple eyes standing in front of the cheetah with such power and force it seemed to knock the female cheetah to her back.
Paxx huffed.
"You are a nice feline, and I would not want to put you to waste, your talents will be greatly usefull...It would be a shame, if anything were to happen." With that Paxx turned her body away from the feline, her ears twitched, and the voices slowly began to hush.

[Fiaza]

Fiaza started to feel at home here but out of no where her entire world crashed down around her. The thunderous noise shook her head, making her feel sick beyond her control. She knew this would happen, as it did where ever else she went. She could feel regret swell in her heart, the cheetah regretted coming here. Already the snow leopard hated her, would that be how everyone treated her? It was unknown to her and she wouldn't know for a while.

Paxx's dark side came through, becoming present in Fiaza's image of her. She was no different then. A mind full of the power to mold her in any unnatural shape and threaten to be used at any time. Fiaza couldn't believe that she would let her guard down like that. The spotted feline thought of all the things she did wrong around the Oracle. Not enough respect. Too friendly. Too straight forward. The list went on and on.

It was too much for the hunger stricken feline. The voices were too loud and her feelings were too apparent. Her body collapsed under the pressure created in her head and in her heart. The some what young cheetah became fearful as the One showed her teeth and hissed. Fiaza buried her face into her paws trying to numb the pain and fear. She knew that she had to pull herself together but it was just too much. Things slowly died down and Paxx started to talk again.

"Oh coarse, great one. I am at your disposal now, any of my wrong doings are to be punished with any thing you seem fit." No doubt Fiaza was scared. Her voice trembled as she spoke and her legs attempted to give out as she stood up. The cheetah knew to be brave but it was hard, even for her. The leopard disappeared before her eyes and appearing in front of her. The cheetah stepped back, scared and unsure of herself. Fiaza felt unworthy now since she had cowered away.

"Thank you, Oracle." That was the only thing the cheetah could bring herself to say. She was unsteady on her feet and did not wished to be punished. Fiaza bowed once more. Was she still deemed worthy of being messenger or did Paxx think otherwise now? The cheetah was not sure but still prayed to the spirits that she was. More than anything, she wanted the Oracle on her side. More than anything, she wanted someone on her side. For once,