The clearing was quite lovely. Fresh, green grass, lovely patches of flowers, and even some long, flat rocks that, on any other day, would have been perfect for a nice nap on top of. The stream trickling through the clearing was alive with fresh, running water, more clear than anything she had ever seen. Even the ice she was so familiar with didn’t reveal so much as the pristine water in front of her. But it didn’t show her where her friend was, so she couldn’t really admire the splendor for too long. The only reason she was there at all was because someone was supposed to be there who might be able to help her. Or give her advice. Or be nice to her.
Really, the leopard hadn’t been that clear on the whole thing.
She sat herself down by the running water, surveying the clearing once more. On a rock, perhaps having been there the whole time, was a blue cheetah, so silent she had to assume he was asleep sitting up. His eyes were closed, his frame straight and stone-like, not so much as swaying in the gentle breeze of the dying day. Curious of the creature, assuming he was the one she was supposed to be meeting, Nquma moved towards him, trying not to let her fear get the better of her. As she approached, the cheetah opened his eyes.
“Hello, my child,” the cheetah said, bowing his head respectfully towards the hidden Goddess, “how may I be of service to you, my dear? You are deeply troubled.”
“How… how did you know that?” inquired Nquma, sitting herself down fairly far from the other.
“I can sense it- you are losing your hope. But worry not, for I am here to help you, in whatever way I can. My name is Bro’Dee, but many call me Walker. I roam these lands, looking to fill wavering hearts with hope where and when I can.” He smiled at Nquma, and the Goddess felt relief wash over her. Whoever this cheetah was, he seemed extremely kind and gentle. For once, she seemed to be able to relax without having it take forever.
“I… have lost my friend… his name is Isidomu, and he’s a very young, very small ibex… have you seen him, mister Walker?” Asked the female softly. Walker looked thoughtful for a moment, before letting another smile grace his thin features.
“I am sorry, but I have not seen him,” he replied as soothingly as possible, “but you don’t need to be so worried- I know you will find him. I have hope, and I sense you will be reunited with him once more, though the road to your reunion may be a bumpy one. In the end, I know all will be well.”
Nquma frowned, her eyes never leaving the peaceful, quiet cheetah. “How do you know that?” she asked faintly, “are you some kind of seer? Do you know the future?” She had heard the children of Gods had such an ability, though she had no children of her own to test such a theory on. Still, how could a God give birth to a cheetah? Seemed strange. Did other mortals, ones not related to Gods, also have that odd ability to see things in their dreams?
“I assure you, I am not a seer,” Bro’Dee admitted, “rather, I listen to the world around me, and I sense things that others, perhaps, are too distracted to feel themselves. I see hope all around, and I know that hope will guide you to your goal, as long as you hold onto it. In the end, hope is all we have, and it is all we need.” Well, not really. Hope needed some will to act on, didn’t it? Nquma wasn’t sure.
It seemed like Hope was a bit of a lost cause.
“I see you’re still unsure,” continued Walker, “but do not despair- it can be difficult to see hope during such dark times. Know, then, that I will hope for you, and let my feelings will you with resolve.”
“Thank you, Walker,” Nquma whispered softly, “I… I was beginning to think there was no hope at all… but I shouldn’t give up, should I? If I just keep looking for him, maybe I really will find him… if you think it’s possible… I believe you.”
She smiled, and Walker smiled as well. “Good, my child, I know you will find your friend! I will aid you in what way I can.”
“So many are helping me… I don’t know how to repay everyone.”
“Think not of repaying us- we help you because we want to see you happy. That, alone, will serve as our reward. Now, I do believe you should start heading back in the direction you have come- I feel you may meet someone there who will be able to help you. I spoke with a lioness earlier today, who mentioned something about a small animal she had seen. My hope is that this is the same small animal you are currently seeking.”
“Oh! Thank you Walker! I will find this lioness! What does she look like?”
“She is purple, and quite slender, almost like a zebra with no stripes. She was heading out of the forest. You must hurry if you wish to speak with her. And remember: all will be well.”
She needed no further prodding to leap to her feet, the female smiling brightly at her new-found friend. “Oh thank you again, Walker! You have given me so much hope! I’m going now! Bye!”
Nquma took off, unaware that Bro’Dee was watching her go with a kind smile. He would never tell her that he knew she was a Goddess in disguise- it would be difficult to explain how he knew such information from someone he had spoken to so briefly. Instead, silent, he got to his feet and moved into the forest. Hope would lead them to one another, so he really didn’t need to search. He would seek out his willful friend.
WC: 1014
