Patience is a Virtue [Sandy]

[Enya]

EVER MOTHLITE

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It was a nice, sunny afternoon. Clouds leisurely floated along the bright blue sky and the forest was alive with bird song. It was the perfect day to be out in Central Park or taking a walk around the university. However, none of those ideas really suited Ever. She had left her dorm room early and drove to the woods for some "hiking." Her room-mate never really cared much, Ever was always on the move. There were times when she never came back from the night before and times when she left before dawn and was back in time for lunch. Ever never had a schedule, she did everything on a whim. It suited her, it always had.

She parked her nice red taurus where all the other hikers usually parked so she didn't look suspicious. Her car was sleek and nicely washed, a habit she had picked up from home. Her father was a grease monkey and he had taught her everything there was to know about vehicles. Ever slipped the sun glasses off her head and left them beside her in the passenger seat. She smiled, her pearly white teeth flashed back at her in the mirror. "I so needed this," she muttered as she gently swatted at the fuzzy dice that dangled from her rear view mirror. Ever licked her lips and eagerly jumped out of her car, swung her hiking pack over her back, locked her car, and trotted toward the woods.

She was eager to shift. Ever craved it. The tigress inside of her was pacing, just waiting to seiz the opportunity. To pass the time she allowed her canines to grow and shorten, an odd habit that she had picked up over time. There were still people out and about and she did not need any of them watching her shift. She did not need to be the reason why the people started a huge conquest to exterminate her and her fellow shifters. If a human saw her shift Ever would not hesitate to strike him or her down. The secrets of the shifting world needed to be preserved or else their world would collapse. She could not stand the thought of that.

Her tongue gently slid over her tiger fangs as she glanced around. She scented the air carefully. Good, no humans around... Ever thought and let out a huge sigh. She had been patient and now she would be rewarded for her long wait. Quietly she trotted up to the nearest tree and looked around one last time, just to double check. Still no signs of anyone. Good, she hissed in her mind as she climbed the tree with ease. She was still in her human form as she climbed up to the third tree limb. Ever hung her pack on a near by branch and prepared to shift.

CRACK!

A low growl escaped her throat. Her body had not shifted besides her eyes and teeth. Ever scowled and slid back into the tree, hoping the leaves would conceal her as she watched the girl come into view. Silently she tapped her fingers against the rough tree bark. This is just my luck! Instantly her hands slowly began to shift into massive tiger paws, her whole body was threatening to shift but she forced the feeling down--her paws melting back into a nice pair of human hands. Ever recognized the girl from the university but she did not really know about her. She appeared to be just out for a casual stroll but silently Ever cursed her up and down.

Ever sighed and leaned back on the branch. She could be patient, she could wait for this girl to walk away. It wouldn't be long, she would not have spotted her unless she continued walking closer...

[Sandy]

It was amazing that she'd gotten as far as she had without sensing the other Shifter. She was usually perfectly in tune to her surroundings. She could more or less follow half a dozen conversations from people surrounding her, if she paid attention, and she could always tell when someone was coming up on her, even with her headphones on, due to her mountain lion hearing.

But she hadn't heard this other female, and she hadn't scented her, even though now, if she drew in a deep breath, her scent was obvious. A female, Annaika knew, but not a human. Humans didn't smell like feline like this one did.

Annaika stopped, motionless except for the slight turning of her head and the flicking of her eyes. She had no doubt what the other shifter was doing in the woods--what else was there to do in the woods but actually Shift? Except for humans, who hiked, which was what Annaika was doing. She wasn't in the mood to be seen by one of the many hikers wandering the forest today and then having a bunch of trigger-happy men chasing through the forest.

Hello, Shifter, she spoke suddenly. She tilted her head back. The other Shifter was in the trees, she knew that, though she could pinpoint the exact tree. The leaves hid whoever the female shifter was and Annaika wouldn't be able to see her without movement. She jerked her head quite suddenly, her eyes, which had subtly shifted to the slightly darker eyes of her mountain lion, had cause the flicker of leaves in a tree. There was a shape behind the trees, Annaika thought, but she couldn't tell for sure, and if there was someone there they were too high for a scent to be drifting directly down.

Of course! The scent. Annaika took a few steps towards the tree and then inhaled deeply before stepping back again, instantly on guard. This wasn't just a feline Shifter but a big cat, which Annaika had expected. She wasn't going to put herself into position to get dropped upon and then, possibly, have teeth sunk into her neck.

I wouldn't suggest Shifting today, feline. There are many humans in the forest and I'm sure one of them would just love to tell the newspapers about the... Annaika breathed again, trying to identify the feline. About a foreign wildcat he saw in the woods. What are you, jaguar? Tigress? Leopard? She swiped her tongue over her lips, and considered any other guesses. Not a lioness, for her creature tasted of a more humid climate, a rain forest, by Annaika's guesses. And Annaika was no expert on foreign cats and their unique scent.

words - 445
muse - great
tagged - ever
other - sorry it took so long P:

[Enya]

EVER MOTHLITE

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Hello, Shifter. Ever wanted to die as soon as the girl spoke. She did not need this and she sure as hell did not ask for this. She had been patient, she had earned the right to shift! So why couldn't the world give her a damn break? Just this once. Her tongue slid over her pearly white canines as she shifted slightly to get a better look at the girl who had walked a couple steps closer.

Then the girl spoke once more. I wouldn't suggest Shifting today, feline. There are many humans in the forest and I'm sure one of them would just love to tell the newspapers about the... Ever's jaw clentched as she drummed her long fingernails against the thick bark. Her pale green eyes glanced at Annakia. She studied her silently as she continued to guess what form she possessed. What are you, jaguar? Tigress? Leopard? Ever laughed quietly and shook her head, her blond hair falling infront of her eyes. "Ever," she finally said as she dropped down to the ground with ease. She landed softly in a crouched position and looked at Annakia with an impish grin. "You can call me Ever, Ev, or Evie. What ever floats your boat, cougar."

Ever stood up in one fluent motion and gracefully sauntered over toward the other girl. "Jaguar?" She shook her head, the grin still frozen on Ever's face. "Leopard?" Again, she shook her head. "All very good guesses but not quite. Her tongue swiped across her sharp canines once more before she nodded. "Tigress. Brava," Ever silently clapped. "So what's your name, Cougar?" The girl asked curiously as she took a couple steps back to give Annakia some space. "Don't take it personal with me not knowing your name," she added pointedly as she flopped down on the soft grass. Quietly she let out a soft purr as she laid on her back, the sun shine warming her skin. "I've seen you around campus here and there. I've always wondered what music you like to listen to when your roaming the halls. Do you ever take those earphones out?" Ever had closed her eyes but the grin remained on her glossy lips.

All I wanted to do was shift! For godsake why is that such a damn crime? She rolled on to her stomach and glanced up at Annakia and arched her eyebrows. "It's not a crime to shift, you know?" Ever suddenly said. "I mean I've been patient enough, don't you think I deserve a little peace and relaxation?" She shook her head and allowed parts of her body to shift. A deep growl-like purr erupted from her throat as she sprouted both a tail and a set of tiger ears. Her tail flicked back and forth as she looked up at Annakia fondly. "Do you like being a cougar?" Ever asked curiously, her tiger ears perking upward.

[Sandy]

The girl, Ever she called herself, sounded like one who could whirl through a dozen subjects in a single breath. She held perfectly still as Ever stalked towards her. Annaika wasn't afraid of her, even if she was bigger and so was her animal, probably. Yes, a tigress. Most certainly bigger but that didn't mean she was better off in a fight. Well met, Ever. I don't take it personal. It's better off when most people don't know my name. Annaika let slitted, dark green eyes sweep the area of space they were in before she concentrated on Ever again. She was always checking her surroundings. Her mountain lion was one to ambush and gave some of those traits to Annaika in human form. Even if she wasn't going to ambush she always liked to know what was going on.

You can call me Annaika. Nothing else. Even though there were the few she allowed to call her Anna, such as her family, she preferred Annaika, her real birth-name. I just listen to...music. Annaika shrugged. She had nothing against telling others that she listened to country music, which most University students deemed horrible music, for some reason, but she didn't find it necessary to state. Country was the only music that was soft enough, usually, that she could listen to and still be aware of her surroundings and bear. Music like jazz just pissed her off, for some unexplainable reason.

I need some sort of distraction from the world. It gets...too loud for me. Because Annaika had only ever been around her parents and sister until she was thirteen years old. She still couldn't handle crowds. Annaika looked at Ever in surprise when the Shifter spoke harshly and yet began to...purr, it sounded like, though it could also have been a growl. It was too much on the edge for Annaika to tell, and she wasn't accustomed to tigers. I'm not saying you can't shift, and I'm sure you deserve it, I was just trying to be nice and warn you. More people out today then usual and I'm sure most of them would love to see a real live tiger in these woods. I came out here to Shift too but I decided to play it easy until most of them leave. Though I would be able to better get away with it then you. At least mountain lions aren't unheard of around here--and to answer your question I love being a mountain lion. Annaika eyed Ever as she half-shifted. Perhaps it would be easier if she shifter completely. God knows it would be easier to explain then a part-human and part-tigress.

words - 441
muse - good
song - sound the bugal
other - my computer gets super slow when I'm posting on this site xD What's happening on the screen is often several words behind what I'm typing. Like right now P:

[Enya]

EVER MOTHLITE

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You can call me Annaika. Nothing else. Ever nodded and smiled. "Annaika? That'a a mouthful," she teased breezily. I just listen to...music. Ever tilted her head to the side and watched Annaika curiously, her pale green eyes studying her. I need some sort of distraction from the world. It gets...too loud for me. Her glossly lips formed a hard line as she watched her. Annaika did not seem like a very talkative person. Actually she seemed quite serious and appeared to be more of a loner. A soft sigh escaped her throat. And here I thought I would make a friend... She glanced back at her and watched as Annaika continuously looked around. It did not appear that she was nervous but percautious just like all shifters needed to be.

I'm not saying you can't shift, and I'm sure you deserve it, I was just trying to be nice and warn you. More people out today then usual and I'm sure most of them would love to see a real live tiger in these woods. I came out here to Shift too but I decided to play it easy until most of them leave. Though I would be able to better get away with it then you. At least mountain lions aren't unheard of around here--and to answer your question I love being a mountain lion. Ever did not even look at Annaika as she spoke. Instead she closed her eyes and allowed her shift back to full human. "Ah, I see." Ever stretched easily and let out a soft growl. "It's good to be cautious of your surroundings, but I assume I am envading your privacy time." Now Ever opened one of her eyes to assess the shifter in front of her. She was not much for conversation that was for sure. Annaika probably thought of Ever's continous banter a nuicence or a hinder.

"I'll be careful for those hunters and hikers, thanks for the warning," Ever said breezily as she stood up and slowly stretched. "You be careful too. I would not want to see your pretty little pelt used as a throwrug," She purred with an impish grin as she walked away. It was obvious Annaika did not want to talk and Ever was content with walking around by herself. She did not need company, although it would have been nice. She shrugged and glanced around. It seemed that Annaika and herself were the only two people in the woods, everything else was so silent.

[Sandy]

Annaika watched Ever with an edge of amusement. Was she really that...intimidating? Or give off such a vibe? Don't worry, if anyone tries to use me as a throw rug they'll soon find themselves missing a few body parts. Annaika's lips tilted into a smile and she continued watching the tigress through slightly-shifted eyes.

When Ever started to step away, Annaika matched her steps, moving towards Ever with a predatory gracefulness. She wasn't hunting, that much was obvious, and of course, a tigress wouldn't be a meal. Instead her eyes glinted with a friendly light that was rare for Annaika. She was in a good mood and she didn't want to spend her time alone. She halted suddenly and scratched the palm of her hand absentmindedly. You don't have to go. I like my privacy but I'm not just a mountain lion. Perhaps I want some company.

She tilted her head questioningly, letting Ever make the choice. If Ever wanted to leave then Annaika wouldn't follow her, or stop her. Part of her, the mountain lion part, was pleased that others knew to keep their distance from her, to not invade her territory. The mountain lion was very territorial but the human part was stronger then the mountain lion. That part was offended that everyone deemed her such bad company after only a few minutes with her. Sure, Annaika seemed like bad company but after a few minutes to thaw out and get to know the other person she could be great fun.

words - 251
tagged - ever
other - bah horrible post. sorry.

[Enya]

EVER MOTHLITE

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Don't worry, if anyone tries to use me as a throw rug they'll soon find themselves missing a few body parts. Ever laughed at that. "That's the spirit!" She exclaimed, her lips forming a wide grin. "Plus, I don't think you'd look good as a throw rug. It simply doesn't suit you," Ever joked and was delighted when Annaika smiled as well. Perhaps you won't be as serious and boring as I suspected, She thought with amusement as the cougar girl started to advance on her.

You don't have to go. I like my privacy but I'm not just a mountain lion. Perhaps I want some company. Ever stoped in her tracks and turned fully around. She pursed her lips together and studied her quietly. Her pale green eyes were dancing with amusement and partial delight. Personally, Ever did not feel like walking out alone and company would be much obliged. She let out a soft purr-like growl and smiled warmly at Annaika. "Don't be offended, hun," Ever suddenly said as her eyes locked with Annaika's. "It's not like you come off boring you just come off as..." Ever grinned impishly and waggled her eyebrows. "Serious and a tad bit cold. So I just assumed that your personality is similar to a cougars and that you wanted privacy. Now that I know that you are capable of a joke or two..." Ever quickly closed in the distance between them and linked arms with Annaika. "I would absolutely be delighted if you would join me for a walk," she laughed and she gently tugged Annaika along.

"So, my dear," Ever said as the pair continued to walk. "Tell me about yourself. Anything and everything," she grinned, flashing her tiger fangs--although not in a threatening manner. She simply liked the way her tiger fangs felt, which was why she was constantly flicking her tongue along her teeth. A simple bad habit to say the least.

[Sandy]

Annaika was obviously surprised when Ever took her life but she didn't pull away. She even found herself liking it. The mountain lion growled but even it relaxed, slowly, with Ever touching it. Under the mountain lions' direction, Annaika inhaled deeply, committing Ever's scent to memory.

"Tell me about yourself. Anything and everything." Annaika sighed and continued walking with Ever for a few quiet moments. I doubt you want to hear everything. It's pretty depressing, really. I was an issue for my parents--my mom couldn't handle breastfeeding a baby who randomly turned into a mountain lion, so I was on formula pretty much immediately. I was...three years old when my little sister was born and I wasn't allowed to see her without a sheet of glass between us until she was four years old and my parents thought I had more control. Proved them wrong when I nearly killed her and my mom when I was nine, though. Annaika looked at Ever suddenly through slitted green eyes, watching for a reaction without stopping.

And I basically didn't know anyone outside of my family until I was twelve. That's it, my wonderful life. Now tell me about yours. I'm sure it's better then mine. Annaika hunched her shoulders, almost ready to hide herself with her hair, before she remembered to stop herself. No, she wasn't going to hide like that anymore, if she could help it. Ever had asked and Annaika had answered, despite how much she hated speaking of her past.

Annaika knew that the way she'd told it to Ever was pretty sad, but it was nothing like what it had really been. It had been torture, knowing no one but her parents and sister for eleven years. She's never really left their ample property until she was nine and she'd begun sneaking out to the forest. The property had been her own personal prison, encouraging her to graduate high school a year earlier and then rent her own apartment the week she'd turned eighteen.

words - 333
muse - good
tagged - ever

[Enya]

EVER MOTHLITE

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Ever glanced over at her new companion curiously when she did not immediately speak. However, she held her tongue and allowed the moment to pass. Sure enough, Annaika began to speak. I doubt you want to hear everything. It's pretty depressing, really. I was an issue for my parents--my mom couldn't handle breastfeeding a baby who randomly turned into a mountain lion, so I was on formula pretty much immediately. I was...three years old when my little sister was born and I wasn't allowed to see her without a sheet of glass between us until she was four years old and my parents thought I had more control. Proved them wrong when I nearly killed her and my mom when I was nine, though. Ever frowned slightly as she listened to Annaika's story intently. Poor girl... She thought but did not comment, even when Annaika's eyes met her own.

And I basically didn't know anyone outside of my family until I was twelve. That's it, my wonderful life. Now tell me about yours. I'm sure it's better then mine. Ever grinned devilishly. "Oh my dear, your life is a complete breeze compared to my lovely life!" She laughed and tugged on her arm gently. She glanced over at her just as Annaika hunched her shoulders. "That will give you horrid posture for the rest of your life. You'll be walking around with a cane in no time," Ever joked. In reality, Annaika's life did sound aweful, she could not even manage a life like that. However, she did not comment on her past just yet. Ever figured that she should share something about herself first.

Ever glanced over at Annaika, her pale eyes sparkling with mischief. "Alas, I do not remember my childhood. Quite pathetic, isn't it?" She shook her head and laughed quietly--although there was really nothing funny about it. "I was born some where else, in the country I believe. My adopted parents took me in when I was around nine years old or os. I was found by firemen not too far away from a burning house. My foster parents showed me pictures of what I looked like and let me tell you," her eyes met Annaika's evenly. "I looked ugly. I had a broken collar bone and I was damn near torn to pieces. They said I had been caked with blood." Ever shrugged and glanced around. She had only told one other person about her terrible childhood experience and that was Elisabeth. A soft sigh escaped her throat as she pictured herself around nine years old with a mutalated body. Visibly, Ever cringed.

"Anyways, I went up for adoption since no one claimed me. I have no recollection on what happened or my life before the accident. My foster parents are lovely, truly they are. However sometimes I think they care a little too much. I went through all sorts of therapy and medication treatments until finally I begged them to let me go to college. They relented and BAM. Here I am," Ever laughed, but refused to meet Annaika's gaze just yet. This was highly prized information and she was not sure she could bare to look at Annaika quite yet. Ever did not want to know what she was thinking but she hoped Annaika's opinion of her didn't change because of her past. Ever's opinion did not change when she spoke of hers--so she could only pray that Annaika's repayed the favor

.

[Sandy]

Annaika grinned at Ever in relief. She was glad that the other Shifter hadn't acted completely sympathetic--yet another thing she hated. She even laughed at Ever's comment about her becoming a cripple, though she didn't respond because she was waiting for Ever to start talking.

Soon enough, Ever did indeed start, and Annaika listened attentively. "Anyways, I went up for adoption since no one claimed me. I have no recollection on what happened or my life before the accident. My foster parents are lovely, truly they are. However sometimes I think they care a little too much. I went through all sorts of therapy and medication treatments until finally I begged them to let me go to college. They relented and BAM. Here I am." Annaika tilted her head, considering Ever's words, and slowly drew the two of them to a halt.

And then, acting on guidance from her mountain lion, since she wasn't accustomed to these situations, she placed herself in front of Ever and studied her, trying to imagine her, as Ever had put it, 'ugly.' Annaika touched Ever's cheek softly, a friendly gesture rather then anything intimate. Her mountain lion had been guiding her but her intentions and thoughts and words were her own. I can't imagine you like that. I doubt you were ever ugly; you're too beautiful to be ugly. Annaika smiled softly and took Ever's arm, leading them this time. In some ways you're lucky. Your foster parents sound amazing and...it's wonderful that you were able to live with them. And by that Annaika meant that it was great Ever had been able to live with them and not shifted uncontrollably, like Annaika had whenever she'd felt strongly about something.

Your foster parents made you into a wonderful person, you know. A wonderful Shifter. I can tell. The words were spoken out loud but it was more of Annaika thinking out loud then speaking directly to Ever.

words - 320
tagged - ever
muse - great
other - I love this softer side of Annaika xD

[Enya]

EVER MOTHLITE

[/b][/size]

Ever's eyes widened with surprise as Annaika drew her to a hault. She shot her friend a questioning glance but remained quiet, her eyes meeting Annaika's evenly. Her friend moved in front of her and Ever glanced down as she studied her. She wasn't sure why but she found her cheeks hot with embarrassment. Perhaps I had spoken too eagerly... She thought to herself as she gently pawed the ground with her foot. It wasn't as if Ever wasn't used to attention but the way Annaika was looking at her made her want to dissappear. It was like being put on a glass slide and having some wacko scientist observe you with a damn microscope.

However, Ever's head jerked upright as soon as Annaika touched her cheek. It was a soft, friendly geasture but it has shocked her. She had not expected this coming from her. Not at all. I can't imagine you like that. I doubt you were ever ugly; you're too beautiful to be ugly. Normally Ever would have shot some sarcastic comment back but this time, her words failed her. Her tongue slid over her canines as she watched her friend with confusion and also... graditude. Ever may not have been used to this sort of treatment but that did not mean that she didn't appreciate it--she did. And then, all at once, Annaika was leading her away once more. Her voice was soft and tender as she continued to speak. Your foster parents sound amazing and...it's wonderful that you were able to live with them. She paused, perhaps to sort out her words. Ever's mind was reeling now but she managed to stay mute as Annaika finished her small, heart warming spiel. Your foster parents made you into a wonderful person, you know. A wonderful Shifter. I can tell.

Ever blinked slowly, soaking up all the kind words Annaika had said about her. She felt as if she had been put upon a grand petistool. Although she liked the feeling of it, she wasn't too keen on heights. Calmly, Ever tugged Annaika to a stop. Without saying a word she pulled her tank top off and faced her. There was a long, ugly scar etched across her side. It stood out easily since Ever's skin was rather pale. There were multiple little scars all around her body. Ever lightly touched the largest scar on her side before her fingertips gently brushed against her collarbone. There was a bite mark there that had scared over within time. "I was a mess when they found me and to be honest?" Ever met Annaika's gaze coolly. "I don't think the scars ever truly mended."

[Sandy]

Annaika remained silent as they stopped once more, this time Ever stopping them, and watched as the Shifter pulled off her shirt with a puzzled expression. That was all, just puzzled. No aversion or disgust that the other girl was suddenly shirtless--Annaika had been told many times that she lacked a sense of modesty and it was true.

Her eyes had been on Ever's face but now she looked at the scars. "I was a mess when they found me and to be honest? I don't think the scars ever truly mended." Annaika looked back up and smiled slowly. Ever, having scars doesn't make your ugly, no matter how horrible the scars are. If someone is repulsed by them then they are shallow and they don't matter anyways. I have my own scars, well, nothing quite as bad. Everyone has scars, physical and emotional. Sometimes they heal, sometimes they don't. And it's your choice whether you let them haunt you.

Annaika suddenly grinned and tugged at Ever's hand. Come on, let's keep walking. My mountain lion is restless from not being able to shift today. She paused and then added thoughtfully, You're lucky your injuries weren't worse though, I still don't think they'd have made you ugly if they were.

words - 208
tagged - ever
other - horrendous post sorry. Can't listen to any muse-music :\