The Beginning
There was nothing before. All Väktare knew was a word. She didn't know how old she was, how she came to be, or if she had any family, yet all of those things were of little importance. The sole thing that drove her forward was that one word, bekämpa.
It was sunset when she first opened her eyes. Animals of all shapes and sizes blew past her in shadows, some crumbling to dust with a blissful sigh. Standing up, Väktare spread her wide paws on the earth, leaving deep gauges behind. Suddenly consumed by a strange passion, she let out an ear-splitting roar, causing the ground to tremble. The shadow creatures all turned their heads towards her, and continued on. Väktare's body was now aflame, her pelt beginning to melt off her muscular frame. Panting, she struggled to regain her composure, and after several minutes she succeeded, but not without a price. Her white pelt was now hanging in tatters around her body, and what was left resembled nothing of her former self. Väktare's muscles, bones, tendons, everything her pelt previously covered was burning, yet letting of no heat. Her eyes blazed with the strange passion, and her new body forced her onward, across the savannah, to some unknown destination.
The Arrival
Time flowed onward, taking countless lives, but leaving Väktare untouched. The same cool, yet intensely burning flames surrounded her body, and continued to burn ceaselessly. Padding on, Väktare continued her seemingly endless journey across the continent of Africa, passing through mountains and swimming across raging rivers. One evening, she decided to do something she'd never done before, sit down and rest. Stopping near an old baobab, Väktare sat down, leaning back onto the sturdy tree. Lifting her head up, she gazed at the stars in mute curiosity and allowed herself to think for the first time in years. Where am I going? How long will it take? Who am I looking for? Question after question flowed into Väktare's mind until she regained her composure once again. Looking back up at the stars, eyes devoid of any emotion, she got up and continued on.
Parum scampered away from her mother and sprinted up the slope, panting once she reached the top. Grinning, and ignoring her mothers call to come back, she lept down the backside and slid all the way down. Giggling, she sprinted forward, running face first into something hard. Shaking her head, the small cub looked up, and was greeted by the faceless head of Väktare. Letting out a small squeal, Parum started to run away, before a voice filled her mind. Do not be afraid, I mean you no harm. Stopping in her tracks, Parum whirled around, eyes wide, flanks heaving. "What do you mean you don't mean me any harm?!" She squeaked. "You can't seriously think I'd believe you when you look like that!" The small cub shivered and began to back away. If I wanted to hurt you, don't you think I would have by now? I could've crushed your skull in a heartbeat. Laughter followed the sentence, and when Parum looked up, the strange lion-like creature was smiling. Cracking a smile herself, Parum sat down, and began talking with Väktare. After a little while, Parum urged Väktare to come back with her to meet her pride, and Väktare accepted.
When the two arrived, lionesses growled and lions roared. All charged at Väktare, who remain as calm and still as ever. Once you all have finished, I'd like to talk to your king please. She echoed, speaking into every lion's mind. All fell silent and stared, and finally, a plain-looking, battle ravaged male came forward. "What is it you wish of us?" He asked, sitting down in front of her. My only wish is to provide assistance to you and your pride. Väktare responded. A long, pensive pause took root for a few moments, then vanished. Carefully choosing his words, the male responded, "As long as you protect us, and keep everyone safe from harm, we will allow you to walk among us." Väktare tilted her flaming skull, nodded, and padded around the cluster of felines, introducing herself one by one.
Time and time again Väktare proved herself to the pride, helping each and every one of them grow healthy and strong. It was only years later, that she was finally able to walk among them as their guardian.
Frozen at 1 year
323 stats
13% fertility
Cynfael and Polani
Graceful (good)
|
