Suluksati could smell the khehora tribe nearby, and she knew this was where she was supposed to go. It was the lair of the famous Firani healer Anodyne, and it was here – on Serenia – that she told khehora the secrets of the ritual.
Somehow, though, Suluksati did not feel right about going to her. She had blood on her claws and death in her soul, and somehow going to the healer did not feel appropriate. And yet, the only available khehorian she knew of was Rhazes, a Diabi of Soldul, and she never wanted to go to that dark land ever again.
She sunned on a rock, contemplating on what to do – because she would do the ritual, she had to. She needed the power.
“Are you well, Alikhora?” It was a smooth, purring voice. Suluksati looked down from her perch to see a golden-furred beast peering up at her with radiant, slitted eyes. It was feline, with a dragon-like arrogance.
“Mmm...” she rumbled, looking down at it curiously, “I am well... simply... concerned.”
“Concerned?” it stalked closer, sleekly fearless, “Concerned about what? You are powerful – I can smell the magic in you, so what have you to be concerned about?”
“I... Hmm...” It wasn't that she didn't trust the feline creature, “What are you?”
“A Giogimar.” it said, “And I have a deep respect for your kind. So.” it hopped neatly nearby, “Tell me your problems. I enjoy listening. Usually.”
Suluksati sighed. She did want to talk – she was so desperate that she would talk to a cat. “Well... I wish to undertake the ritual, but I am not sure if Anodyne...”
“The Khehorian elder that lives near here?”
“Yes...”
“Mmm... Go on.”
“If she is a good fit for me. I'm vicious, and violent and...” she looked down, “I've killed.”
“Other khehora? Bonded?” it asked sympathetically.
“Mmm...” She hesitated. “One. I attacked one. The rest were... Magescan. I took their lives...”
“As you should. There is nothing wrong with taking one of the lower beings lives.”
“They should not have challenged me. They should have stopped their hunts when I told them to.”
“Hunts?”
“I am Suluksati, the protector of dragons...” she said, her title feeling more painful than it ever had before, “And... I protected the dragons.”
“That is... unusual. And noble, though dragons do not need protecting. I approve.”
“Very gracious of you...” she murmured, looking down at the feline, “So, you see... I cannot speak to a healer. There is blood on my claws...”
“Mmm. Well. I disagree, but who am I to say. Either way, there is a very easy solution.” it stood up and leapt nimbly off the rock, its small tail switching as it looked back with smug, gleaming eyes. “Go see the other elder.”
“That... does make sense.” She knew it did, “But he lives in Soldul...”
“Then go there. If you are afraid, then prove your strength by going there. You are powerful enough to do it.”
“Hmm...”
“That's my advice.” it added, flicking an ear.
“I think...” she hesitated again, “I will take it.” she stood up, stretching her wings in preparation for flight, “Thank you.”
“Always glad to help one of your kind.” it purred, satisfied, “Perhaps we will meet again.” and with that, it vanished into the bushes...
