Fen'li basked in the early morning sunlight as Karm was not too far off. Karm practiced maneuvers, movements, she said that her father and mother taught her. Karm was a site to see, indeed. She was strength, stamina, wisdom. Fen'li hoped that someday Karm would be given the opportunity to rise in the ranks as she wished, to become more than thrall. Fen'li on the other hand, did not mind it so. It meant that she had a purpose in life, that she could do as was told, that thinking was not a huge part of her day to day unless not much needed to be done. Even in those times, Fen'li tried to see and think how she could do better next time. How to better herself to better her service to others, the pride, even moreso than she already did. This was her home, and she loved it.
Karm moved easily, breathed in and out, did not use excess energy where not needed in the mock attack. She stopped for a moment and stretched breathing in and out. Ah, it felt good. If only she was given the opportunity to spar, to fight, to prove herself. Yes, then that would be a good day. If she were given the change, the opportunity to show what she could do for the pride she was sure she would not disappoint. She would show her strength, her knowledge passed onto her from her family and use it well, very well, and she would finally feel like she obtained the glory she well deserved. But perhaps, she had wondered, since meeting Astrid the other day, she could serve another purpose as well. Perhaps she could bring greatness to the pride in numbers in another way, but it meant going against what she believed in, to a point. But she could be in charge then, at least, for a little while.
He sat still, not too far off, watching both as they were quiet, thinking to themselves, reflecting on their thoughts, their dreams, their endeavors. He had been drawn to this place because of the many reflections these two were having. The dark one, wanted to have so much, she had strength, pride, but it was taking over her vision. The light one, he watched intently. She was innocent, naive, and had a spirit full of light and wonder that made him smile. He curled his wings against his back, his smaller wings against his forelegs and began to walk towards them slowly, his once god like form becoming mortal.
"Pardon my intrusion," he spoke softly, in a gentle, smooth tone that would appease the sense and not alarm. "As I was passing by, I could not help but wonder why both of you would be so silent with one another. Sibling rivalry?" K'Anatak posed.
Karm turned her head suddenly, typically highly offended by any who approached the two of them, but at the site of the strange male, her anger, perhaps dare she think it, fear, subsided at the site of him. He was pale, no marking, dark eyes, and a calm demeanor. The beating of her heart became slow again. But she wondered, how could he have come into the pride like this not being seen? Truly he must be looking for a challenger...though he didn't look like any storm born she would think to be brought to this place for want to come to the land.
"We are not sisters, stranger, but close friends. Bound by friendship, not blood, that is how we are kin," she said with a nod. "I am Karm."
"Ah yes, the dark mark upon the world, but with so much to prove, you have it in your heart, I sense it," K'Anatak said with a nod and a smile. Karm looked at him in disbelief. "For two so similar, you could fool anyone."
Fen'li had sat quietly this entire time, she watched him intently, in awe. He was...blank, perfect, untouched. No marking, no scars, no fur out of place. Dark eyes. His presence seemed so airy, so wondrous, so perfect in these dark, stormed lands. "I am Fen'li," she said with a stutter, watching him. As he had spoken about Karm, it was like he knew her.
"No need to be afraid of shy, dear one, your eyes and spirit tell me you are one who wishes to know all and please all, please, it would do me such a kindness to have you not be so distant, come," he sat tapping the ground. Her eyes were so beautiful, like the ice and snow he once loved so much. Her spirit so gentle, like one he knew long ago and hadn't seen in quite some time.
"How do you know these things?" Karm questioned, watching him. Her tail writhed behind her, waiting for an answer. She was expectant, not detering from what she wanted.
"Ah yes, the ever demanding, is that not above you? Or is that where you truly wish to be?"
"He knows so much! You see Karm! This is like a dream! Like the one I told you about!" Fen'li exclaimed coming closer to him, watching him as if he were a crystal keeping her entranced. All in one moment she was, but not, she saw him clearly. "I've...seen you before...haven't I?" Fen'li questioned, looking at him, looking to his back and at his eyes. He was not the same now. But she thought it was a dream from when she was young and alone in the roguelands. The dream had guided her, given her strength to keep going for so long.
"Everyone has seen me, or felt my presence at one time or another, but you dear one, are one of the special ones that sought me out," truly though, it was her spirit, her reflecting on her memories that brought him here to find her, them. "I cannot stay long," he said, looking to the sky. He had some time before his brother might show, and he did not want to lead him to this place.
Karm looked at the way Fen'li was content and...almost, stronger, and had pride, held herself a little higher. ''Walk him to the border Fen, make sure none other see him," Karm made eye contact with Fen and turned away, heading her own way. Fen didn't need her anymore this night.
Fen'li nudged K'Anatak, not knowing him name, but ushering him along, "quickly, this way, we must get you out of the rain, or you cannot go later."
K'Anatak chuckled and nodded his head, "yes dear one, let us go."
Karm smiled, thinking to herself as she strode into the rain, Fen had an angel.
(1118+ words)
