Meris walked for what had seemed days? He stared up at the sky, as lite raindrops continued to fall. At least he wouldn't be thirsty anytime soon, he thought almost bitterly. His normal gleaming white coat was not stained brown from the mud. It looked like he hadn't cleaned himself in ages. The only part of him that had a nobel look to it were his bright eyes and a necklace that hung from his neck. A necklace that he had taken from his brother years ago. He laughed at the thought. His brother loved the necklace more than anything, except for maybe his pride. His pride was the reason Meris now had the necklace.
Though now it seemed like the necklace had brought him nothing but bad luck. His beloved sister disappeared and his hatred for his parents grew. Meris grew to despise him, always being in the shadow of his 'perfect' older brother. He couldn't help but roll his eyes. There wasn't a moment in his life that was perfect. By now Kyros was probably happy, somewhere with a nice cheetah and getting ready to start a family. That was something he couldn't do, he wanted to more than anything, but guilt had driven him to the point where happiness seemed to belong only in dreams.
As he walked he thought he saw someone, up in a tree. He glanced up and saw no one was there. Odd, he could have sworn he saw a dark blue looking feline. The sun must be playing tricks on him. He continued to stare into the tree, wondering what was going on.
Cay slowed her breathing down. He had seen her. She saw his eyes look at her. This was bad, very bad. No no, Cay, calm yourself right now, she thought. Yes you are a gorgeous leopardess and he is a mighty fine looking cheetah. There is nothing to panic about. He'll see you and fall in love with you and than you can steal his necklace and you both will live happily ever after.
She peeked over behind the tree again. There he was, looking as beautiful as ever. He looked graceful, with his long thin legs. His swirl markings made him appear even more lovely. Cay had never been the lovey dove type, but she was sure this was love at first sight. Quietly she made her way around the tree, wanting to get a better view of the male. His white fur was glistering with raindrops. She could just imagine him during winter. All she would be able to see would be his purple markings.
There she is, Meris thought as he saw the leopardess stick her head out. He knew there was someone there. It didn't make sense otherwise. He watched her from the corner of his eyes. He didn't want to startler, not yet. First he wanted to figure out why she was watching him.
He made his way to the tree and rested near it. Now she could come out without fearing that she will attack him.
Cay stared at the cheetah. He was so close, she could almost touch him. She snuck out of her tree and laid right next to him, resting her head on his body. “Hello my future mate.” She said with a pur. It was amazing she could hear his heart beat. She dug her head deeper into his fur. “I think you will make me a proud mama some day you know that mate.”
Meris didn't move. He was starting to wish he would have ran for it when he had a chance. This leopardess was obviously crazy or something. He didn't even know her name. “Um excuse me. Do I know you?” He asked carefully. He didn't want to upset her, but he really didn't feel like she was behaving herself.
Cay laughed at the silly question. Things were go smoothly. It wouldn't be long till his necklace and heart would be hers. “My love, that is who you are. Your name doesn't matter to me. Only that you are there for me.” She started to clean his bright fur. Her cubs would have this fur and they would be beautiful.
“If you need to know my name is Cay. I am a traveler and an entertainer.” She said adding in a singsong voice. “What is your name my love.”
“Um Meris.” He tried to figure out what was going through this girls head. She was mental that much was sure. He could leave, but if she was this ill she could get hurt by herself. If that happened he wouldn't forgive himself. He would stay with her until he was sure she was safe. “Do you mind if I ask you why you picked me as your mate?”
“Sure you can.” She said with a grin. She started to clean the top of his head. Now she was in the perfect position to steal his necklace. “well?”
“Oh- Um. Why did you pick me as your mate? Wouldn't a leopard be a far better match for you?” He asked again.
“Perhaps, but I don't find them attractive. They don't have the long legs and thin muscular body like cheetahs do.” She explained as she carefully untied the end of the necklace. “and your fur, you have by far the most beautiful fur I have ever seen.”
“Thank you.” He said nervously. “Do you have any family out here or even friends?”
“I have you don't I? And soon we'll have a family. A family with lots of cubs. All with your beautiful fur.” She said as she pulled the necklace off him. “My love may I sing to you?” Meris nodded his head. Softy and gently she started to sing. Meris found himself slowly drifting away, more and more. Cay got up once she was sure he was fast asleep. She gave him a quick kiss on the forehead before saying “Until next time my love”
When Meris woke up he found Cay and his necklace gone.
WC: 1011
