Xiri strode into the darkness alone. She had no use for toms any more. Mentally, she cursed the felines who had deprived her of faith in them. A sudden revelation struck her as she realized that this terra was deserted. "I, Xiri the Abandonned, hearby claim this watery terra in the name of all those who have been deprived of hope." She growled into the roaring waters.

OOC: Just a warning: it will not go over well if she's accepted by a god.

Darkness.

It touched my pelt like cruel hands, each step, each paw down was like placing into the unknown. Vague outlines of objects was the only sight availble, my powers of wind was nothing more than a shadow. Water trickled and dripped, and I swayed to check that no-one was following. Still, something felt it was creeping towards me. The sound of the waterfall gained sound. I stopped, thinking; as a goddess, perhaps I could see like a Shadow Cat?

My mind pulsated, and I close my eyes. I directed my knowledge to my eye, and opened. Emerald eyes became torches, though no fire so I could see. Fire was the enemy, to me. I cannot get the fact that my parents, loved ones were killed in it. That fire tom, I long for revenge.

Alas, that was not was my duty. I had to listen to the call of a claim, and I listened. The roaring was close, and I saw the cat. Female. If it had been my desision, females could claim without a male. Pfft.

Greetings Xiri, I am Akila, Goddess of the cats. I had been once deprived of hope, but I'm sure, that you can change ways... Now, tell me Xiri. Tell me why you should be queen?

Xiri turned, her metallic-streaked orbs piercing the darkness. Upon first sensing the presence of another, her fur had stood on end. Now, she relaxed. The presence was female, and while not hostile, also not overjoyed at her claim. Tail curling and uncurling, Xiri thought for a moment before responding.

"Madam Akila," she began haltingly, "I desire queenship of this lonely place because some times and situations warrant a place's becoming a citadel of thought and reflection. I believe that as a queen, I could build this sanctuary for any who desire thus. I belive that by making this place one of protection, others can be healed. This is my reasoning, fair Goddess."

Her tail ceased its undulation as Xiri finished. Her large eyes glowed with things unsaid, horrors seen by none but the possessor. Only the waterfall could be heard behind the silence left in the darkness.

| a . k . i . l . a |

Xiri, I am not extremely happy with any claim, it is why I venture these parts to see you as worthy; I am pleased that you are claiming, and aren't a male, you seem worthy enough for it; and I accept your claim. I hope you bring in cats under your wing as if they were family. A desire for hate for toms is strong, I also dislike them, but I have to walk beside my greatest hate of all - fire, when ever I see my proposed mate. Somehow... Sorry. Farewell Queen Xiri. I shall return soon to visit, and hear what you have been doing.

I turned, flashing my eyes towards the entrance. Each step was differennt. The rocks, the great big beams of rock sticking out. Flight would be useless in here. My tail flickers, and I step out into the light once more, my sight returning to norm, and my wings spreading, flapping one and gliding down. It was easy once more, soaring above, it wasn't like any feeling I had felt before, as I was once a normal leopard, almost a thousand years ago. I wouldn't of given it up for the world.

Xiri watched as the goddess disappeared into the mists of the great waterfall. She shook her head at the leopardess' odd words. Fear of a mate and fire? She puzzled over the combination for a moment, but found neither heads nor tails through pondering. Eventually, she shrugged it off. It wasn't for her to know.