Looking for Cover

[Bumble ♬]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i35.tinypic.com/10gwsox.jpg] A majestic feline stalked through the frosty forest, looking for prey and a place to settle down for the night. It had been a tough day, not much prey was around anymore, and all of the snow leopard's precious snow was melting. How could the great felines survive without it? Maybe they would conquer the island, like many had suggested to do. The island didn't have any snow though, but it was thriving with prey. There was one problem to the snow-leopard's plan though, the island was already inhabited, and no - fluffy nice creatures didn't live there, it was quite the opposite, actually. Packs of vicious, brutal wolves ruled the lush, resourceful island and they wouldn't leave the island without a fight. There wasn't even a tribe of snow leopards yet, and even if there was, Seiya would refuse to join it. She preferred doing tasks alone, often other felines just got in the way, it was so much easier just to do it herself, without relying and trusting other felines to help. "Won't make that mistake again." the lone feline mumbled grimly, through clenched teeth. Years ago, Seiya's canine-hating mother had killed her best friend, a sly red-fox. The canine and the feline has so much in common, even though they were an entirely different species. All that was ruined though, with Seiya's brutal, murdering mother. After than incident, Seiya fled and ended up at the island, where she happily found huge, snow-covered mountains waiting for her to explore. Seiya slashed her tail as she remembered her disgusting mother. Her betrayal was part of the reason she never trusted a living soul anymore. Everything was just much more simple without a family and friends to watch over, and protect. "There must be good cover somewhere..." she mumbled desperately, glancing up at the darkening sky. Storm clouds were gently blowing in, and the bright, warm sun was slowly beginning to set. Every day the sun was getting hotter and the snow was slowly melting. Prey was also getting scarcer, and life was getting harder to survive in the harsh weather conditions. A gentle breeze blew by, bringing with it the scent of snow-leopards. Suddenly aggressive, Seiya looked around, eager to fight. After a couple of moments, Seiya was forced to give up. She was hoping to see her mother, to kill her for making Seiya flee from her homeland, which was a huge snowy mountain that had fresh snow all year long. Clearing her mind, the aggressive feline sat down under a large tree, gently closing her eyes. Sleep wouldn't overcome her though, perhaps she was too worked up over her mother. Guess I'll just have a walk then, to clear up my thoughts she said silently, anger glinting in her light grey eyes.

[gallivant <3]

The wind was whining, bringing with it the scent rain. Anger and frustration burned deep within the snowy leopards veins, boiling under her skin. Doe eyes glanced up at the gathering clouds, the lush grayness of them sparking with annoyance. The rain would pelt the precious snow the mountains held and the sun would do the rest. Stella guessed that only five percent, or so, of the water would end up as ice, adding to the hills.

If only the stupid canines would give up without a fight. Course, the canines were to foolish to see the death that they would face because they wouldn't. No, Stella didn't like to be with others. Working alone had always been the big-cat's favorite way of doing things, but she would fight to the death to make the island theirs.

The spotted leopard leaped onto a tree branch, making herself comfortable. At least the thick foliage would prevent her from getting wet... mostly. Just as sleep was masking her senses, an unfamiliar scent drifted into Ensorcell's nose. She was awake immediately, claws unsheathed, ready to fight. She glanced down at the intruder: another leopard. She wouldn't fight this one, she was much older, and much larger, than Stella. Two years of life had given her the experience of turning down fights when needed, tho she hated to see the chance go.

"Not sleepy, eh?" Stella murmured with a yawn, closing her doe eyes before looking back down at the elder cat. Brown tinted the felines coat. Stella's was colorless, unless you counted gray as a color.

Ensorcell <3

[Bumble ♬]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i35.tinypic.com/10gwsox.jpg] Seiya glanced up, her fur bristling. There, up above in the trees was an unfamiliar white snow leopard, with dark brown spots along her smooth pelt. The smaller feline showed no signs of aggressiveness, but Seiya was still wary. Perhaps the other feline might suddenly turn, and attack while Seiya least expected it. "Just taking a walk, to clear me mind, I guess." she answered warily, glancing up at the sky. The sun was almost set now, casting long shadows against the melting snow. "I hope it all won't melt...the snow, I mean." Seiya mumbled, while a few drops of warm rain showered down upon her snowy-white head. Twitching her ears, the larger snow-leopard walked cautiously over to the icy trees, glancing up at the other leopard every now and then. Slashing her tail, Seiya leaped up, holding on to the tree bark with her average-sized claws. Slowly and carefully, she climbed up the tree with her back turned, hoping that the other leopard wouldn't attack. But if she did, I could try out those battle moves I've been practicing. she thought silently, with a grin. Ungracefully, Seiya leaped up, clinging on the the branch above her and hauling herself up. "Never was a good climber." she said quietly, half to herself and half to the other leopard.

[gallivant <3]

Stella just nodded, a small smile on her lips. Her eyes narrowed, warmth shining in them. This new cat was interesting. Stella liked that; she hadn't had a lot of fun in a while, it would be nice to have some now.

"I hope it all won't melt...the snow, I mean." the leopard grumbled, a warm rain starting to fall from the cloud-covered sky.

Stella glanced up, sadness glowing in her gray orbs. She watched as the crystaline drops fell, landing with a splat on the snowy ground. Small holes were appearing everywhere in the icy cover. The she-leopards fears were coming true: The rain was making the snow disappear even faster.
"Yes," she murmured in answer, gazing at the below. "It;s tragic, this must happen now. Couldn't we enjoy even a little bit of the snow?"

Stella meant every word. She had mysteriously appeared on Keyara's beach just when the snow started melting. A small growl escaped the felines lips, anger bursting in her doe eyes. She shook her majestic head, trying to red herself of memories. She finely cooled, glancing back at the other cat. The elder leopard had climbed, also. A soft murmur of words exited the girls maw, but Stella didn't catch them.
"Don't worry, I won't bite." the smaller mammal comforted, a smile spreading on her face. "At least, not today."

Deciding to change the subject, Ensorcell positioned her body at a more comfortable angle, facing the unfamiliar other.
"So, had did you end up here on Keyara?" she mused, interest making her brows raise.

Ensorcell <3

[Bumble ♬]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i35.tinypic.com/10gwsox.jpg] Seiya looked sadly at the rain, wishing that her (fairly) new home would have snow as plentiful as the icy mountains she was born in. Her traitor mother was probably basking in the precious snow, not worrying about it all just disappearing. The majestic snow leopard glanced up again, upon hearing the other feline speak. "So, how did you end up here on Keyara?" she had said casually. Seiya stiffened, unwilling to tell the unfamiliar leopard the whole, true story. "I just traveled here from another mountain, which was pretty far away." she mumbled, her grey eyes darkening as she stared out into the pouring rain, which was slowly melting the snow. Why would she tell a complete stranger her whole back story? Seiya hadn't told anyone, apart from those who knew what happened, which were her mum, and the innocent dead red-fox, that never had to die. The majestic snow-leopard shook her head, as images of the mangled corpse of the fox flashed in her mind. "And what about you? How'd you come upon this melting mountain?" she asked darkly, her thoughts still on her mother.

[gallivant <3]

Stella watched through narrowed eyes as the stranger mumbled a small sentence. She seemed hesitant; it surely couldn't be the whole truth. The snow-furred leopard began to wash her paws, looking away from the darkened eyes of the elder feline.

"And what about you? How'd you come upon this melting mountain?" The stranger inquired, her voice hard. Her mind was obviously on something else.

Stella paused for a second before answering.
"Well, I'm not sure I should say everything, as you clearly haven't. But I might as well say the whole thing, there isn't much to say."

Stella's heart dipped, sadness piercing her soul. She didn't really want to talk about it, mostly because she felt so lost, thinking back. Again, the she-leopard hesitated.

"Really, I don't know how I got here." She murmured finally, staring out into the rain. "My foster parents said they found me, half-drowned, on the beach. They said I came from the sea. It's strange, tho. I speak two tongues." Ensorcell blinked in confusion. "One must have come from my birth land. But I don't remember my name, nor any memories, from then."

A hushed silence fell upon them. Stella turned to look at the stranger again.

"I didn't catch your name." she meowed, forcing herself to sound cheerful. "Mine's Ensorcell, but you can call me Stella."

Ensorcell <3

[Bumble ♬]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i35.tinypic.com/10gwsox.jpg] The majestic snow leopard listened quietly to the other feline talk about her confusing history, not really taking in the words she said, for Seiya's mind was on something else. Her thoughts were still stuck in the past, of the time she had had her first real friend, who she had trusted with her life. All of that disappeared though when Seiya's mother decided she didn't like him, and with a swipe of her claws, he was lost forever. Suddenly the other leopard spoke up with a fake cheerful voice. "I didn't catch your name." she had said with forced cheerfulness. "Mine's Ensorcell, but you can call me Stella." "My name is Seiya." the feline replied simply, staring out at the shining full moon, while a wolf howled from somewhere out on the island. Silence fell upon the two snow-leopards once more, while the rain steadily grew louder. "All of the snow is gonna melt..." Seiya said sadly, at an attempt to make conversations. It'll be hard to sleep tonight, from all of the noise." ------------------------------- note: Sorry it's a little short, I don't have much muse right now. ._. Also, why'd you delete your account? D:

[Stickee]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,400,true]

[atrb=background,http://oi54.tinypic.com/sql8io.jpg] Seven was crouched behind a tree, eyes staring straight ahead. She was really just staring into space, but her mind was very concentrated. The mountains always made her feel clear, if frustrated. She didn't remember the terrible things that happened to her here, but she knew that they had happened. The Snowy Forest was becoming less of a safe haven, however. The warm weather had begun to melt the snow, and Seven was angry about this. Her ears suddenly pricked. She had heard something. It was coming from ahead of her, a bit far off, but an easy jog. She stretched her muscles and yawned. Being in the same position for a while could really make you sleepy. She wondered how that was possible. Shaking her head, she began to walk towards the noise. Her pace began to ease towards a jog, and she was soon quite close to her destination. She crouched once again, considering to risk a peek. She bent her head to the side, peering out from behind the tree's thick trunk. She saw more trees and snow and some shrubs. She suddenly spotted another snow leopard. Seven hadn't been looking very hard, for the leopard had seemed to blend in. She wondered if she ever did that. Good question for another day, she thought. A new question came to her mind. Should she make an appearance? Maybe have a little chat? Seven supposed that a small talk couldn't hurt, and padded out from behind the tree. "Hello," she said softly. Word Count: 274

[Bumble ♬]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i35.tinypic.com/10gwsox.jpg] Seiya's round ears pricked up as she felt the presence of yet another snow leopard lurking through the mountains. A moment later, a light brown feline stepped out of the shadows and softly said a greeting. "Hello..." the snowy white leopard replied, her dotted fur bristling aggressively. Sure, the other feline wasn't acting like a threat, but she could suddenly turn aggressive and strike out at the unsuspecting Seiya. Fortunately, Seiya was always ready to fight, and she could never believe that a feline just wanted to talk and be friendly, instead of battling one another. That was one of the flaws of the fierce feline, she could never trust anybody. Even if she had an amazing friend who was always there for her, she would never trust them with her life - or anything for that matter. Lost in her thoughts, Seiya forgot all about the snow leopard for a minute, but then she remembered about how she must always be ready for a battle. "So, I suppose you have noticed our snow slowly melting as well...this rain will just make it worse. Seiya said quietly, her light grey eyes glancing at the rain for a second, then flashing back towards the other feline. __________________ ooc: Gallivant quit roleplaying, so I guess she won't be replying. :[

[Stickee]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,400,true]

[atrb=background,http://oi54.tinypic.com/sql8io.jpg] Seven gave the other snow leopard a quick look over. She seemed tense and not trusting, ready for a fight. Seven supposed she looked the same way. "So, I suppose you have noticed our snow slowly melting as well...this rain will just make it worse." said the leopard softly. Well, thought Seven She sure gets straight to the point.. She had noticed the warmer weather and the melting snow. The Snowy Forest was slushy now, and not quite as crisp and white. The rain was obviously not helping. Seven could certainly agree with that. "I suppose the rain is just making things worse for everybody, not just the snow," she stated, in agreement. Seven suddenly realized that she did not know her acquaintance's name. Should she ask? Some creatures, she knew, were touchy about their names. This snow leopard looked like she would pounce if angered, so she wasn't sure if it was wise to ask. Of course, these thoughts had only entered Seven's head after she had asked the question. "What's your name?" inquired Seven. She was a bit more tense, now, awaiting an answer, What if she had spoken a forbidden question? What's done is done, she thought I cannot change the past. Was Seven willing to share her name? It wasn't really her name, she supposed. Just what she had been called. She had no reason not to change it, but she thought it fit her, and besides, she was focused on something else, not the topic of changing her name. Word Count: 272

[Bumble ♬]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i35.tinypic.com/10gwsox.jpg] "My name is Seiya." the feline answered smoothly, in reply to the other snow leopard's question. Much to Seiya’s surprise, the other tawny coloured leopard hadn’t attacked yet. The other creature actually didn’t look like it wanted to fight; maybe it just wanted to talk? Seiya would not believe that, though. She couldn’t believe another snow leopard was just being friendly to gain a new friend. Snow leopards were supposed to be solitary, independent felines, that didn’t need to rely on any one else. But, life was slowly changing, causing the fierce snow leopards to adapt. Many thought they could join together to conquer the island, and get rid of the pesky wolf packs. Seiya didn’t know much about the wolves and how they lived. All she knew was that they lived in a group called a pack, instead of living their life independently, like the creatures in the mountains. The majestic feline didn’t know what the wolves looked like, since she had never seen one venture into the mountains. Life in the mountains was too harsh for the weak wolves, so not many got the courage to explore the looming mountains. She pictured the wolves to be small, weak, ugly creatures that a snow leopard could kill in an instance, just as easy as killing prey. "...What are you called?" Seiya asked quietly, clearing her mind of the weak wolves. Up overhead, jagged lightning crackled through the sky, with loud bangs of thunder. Seiya crouched down and flattened her ears. She hated storms, especially when there was lightning. Lightning was strong, and could easily kill the strongest warrior, or could send a tree blazing with fire in an instance.

[Stickee]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,400,true]

[atrb=background,http://oi54.tinypic.com/sql8io.jpg] Seiya. What an interesting name. I wonder who could think of something so outlandish,

[/b] She thought. Also, she supposed she just wasn't used to names, as hers was a number. Her relief almost did away with her caution, but not quite. The other snow leopard was still tense, and her eyes were not trusting. Lightning flashed above, and thunder cracks followed too close for comfort. Seiya flattened her ears, surprising Seven. Was she scared of storms? At least you can see through rain,[/b] she thought, It's better that in a blizzard.[/b]

Even as she thought that, she realized it wasn't true. The rain was turning to snow to mushy slush, melting the mountains and destroying her natural habitat. A blizzard, though worse for her, would be much better for the mountain regions, as well as the rest of the land, now that she thought of it. Seven could suddenly understand Seiya's reaction. Especially because the lightning seemed to be getting closer. The bangs were now only one or two seconds away from lightning's brilliant flare, informing her that the storm was getting closer.

Seven suddenly realized that Seiya was looking at her expectantly. She must have missed her ask a question. She tried to remember. She had been so caught up in her own thoughts, she had not remember the other feline's presence. Something about a name? Seven decided it must be so, it would make the most sense. She hadn't decided whether or not to tell someone her name. Though, she supposed, she didn't know her real name. Seven was more of a nickname. So she supposed she could say. "I'm Seven." she stated, speaking up against the heavy rain.

Word Count: 304

[/color][/size][/blockquote][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[Bumble ♬]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i35.tinypic.com/10gwsox.jpg] Seven...what an interesting name... Seiya thought silently, glancing at the tawny snow leopard. Although the other snow leopard didn’t look like much of a threat anymore, that wouldn’t stop Seiya from acting aggressively. She could never act innocent and friendly to someone she hardly knew. Actually, she probably couldn’t even act non-aggressive to someone she knew well. The fierce feline could never make any friends, due to her untrusting nature. That didn’t bother her much, though. Working alone was so much easier. Up ahead, the sky was getting darker while the rain poured heavily down. The thunder was getting louder, and lightning strikes became much more frequent. Seiya tried not to look frightened, but she couldn’t help imagining a jagged lightning strike hitting her. The feline crouched down against the damp ground, her round ears still flattened against her head. Nearby, the sky lit up with the bright, frequent lightning strikes. Suddenly, a strike of lightning hit a nearby tree, making Seiya jump up and back quickly away. Her grey eyes reflected the fire in the blazing tree, as she stared at it. The fire was slowly spreading, making Seiya’s and the other leopard’s position very unsafe. Seiya carefully glanced around, unsure of where to go. All around the two snow leopards, fire was blazing.

[Stickee]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,400,true]

[atrb=background,http://oi54.tinypic.com/sql8io.jpg] Seven's eyes were wide open, her mouth gaping and her heart racing. The lightning had set the snowy forest ablaze with fire. The flames danced and the rain poured, but neither were winning. The timber started to creak, and Seven suddenly realized that staying in that spot could be fatal. She glanced at Seiya, and realized she must have noticed too. They had to get out of there, and fast. Seven tried to keep the panic from rising. There's always a way out, she thought. Seven rotated her head, looking for an escape route through the flames. She turned her body to look behind her, only to see more fire. The rain still poured, but the heat raged. Only a few trees nearby were untouched by the lightning's strike. There was no way to get out. Unless....Seven paused. What would happen if we stayed here? she wondered. She could be sure that the trees would fall, and the fire would spread, but would she die? What about Seiya? Seven looked at Sieya. "Do you have any ideas?" she called out, her voice barely audible over the fire and rain. The trees would be dangerous to climb, and what would they do then? She couldn't wrap her mind around it. Seven suddenly realized she needed to rephrase her thoughts from before. What would happen if we died here? Word Count: 245

[Bumble ♬]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i35.tinypic.com/10gwsox.jpg] Seiya gazed around around the blazing forest, her eyes wide and fearful. The rain continued to pour down, but not even it could quench the raging fire. Almost every tree was set on fire, all around the two leopards. At first glance, it seemed impossible to escape, but looking closely Seiya saw a couple stable trees unharmed from the fire. The snow leopard's grey eyes widened, as she saw the only possible way to escape the fire. Climbing a tree with fire raging below was very risky. The fire could catch up to the only trees left, or the two felines might fall off of the tree and into the fire beneath. But, it was their only hope, the only way of escaping the fire. "Let's...try to climb those trees, and then we can jump off of them to the other side." Seiya suggested, gesturing towards the few untouched trees. "I know it's risky, but we have to try...and we don't have any more time to waste." With that said, Seiya went forwards, gazing up at the tree. She really was an awful climber, but there seemed to be no other way. Carefully, she leaped forwards, holding on the the trees with her claws. Slowly, the snow leopard climbed up, fearful of the fire beneath.