Torrent had found a lady Kirin. Pacificus and Merina had been tailing him for weeks now, shadowing his every move through the Ever Resting Forest. What had begun as a way to keep their beloved Kirin safe from harm soon revealed a more profound reason for Torrent's frequent skirmishes. The moment they saw the female Kirin, elegant and ethereal, everything fell into place. Torrent wasn't just fighting for survival; he was competing for affection. The Lady Kirin, with her graceful form and gentle demeanor, had captured his attention—and apparently, that of several other Kirin males.
Recognizing Torrent's determination, Pacificus and Merina sprang into action. Pacificus hunted and foraged with renewed vigor, gathering everything the forest could offer to nourish their friend. He meticulously prepared meals rich in nutrients to fuel Torrent’s strength and stamina, ensuring he had the energy to emerge victorious from his battles. Each meal was a carefully curated feast designed to fortify Torrent’s body, to transform him from the plump, lovable Kirin they had known into a formidable contender.
Meanwhile, Merina focused on his care after the battles. She collected herbs and boiled them with fresh cloths, creating soothing balms and bandages to patch Torrent’s wounds. After every fight, she was ready, hands steady and eyes determined as she cleaned and dressed his injuries. Her touch was gentle yet firm, and Torrent found comfort in her care, even as he grumbled about the sting of the antiseptic herbs. It became a routine: a battle, a victory, a return to Merina and Pacificus, and their diligent tending to his wounds.
The results of their efforts were remarkable. Torrent transformed before their eyes, his body reshaping with each passing day. His once chubby form, endearing in its own right, melted away to reveal rippling muscles beneath. His frame broadened, his neck thickened, and his limbs grew more robust. He was now twice the size of an average Kirin, his silhouette striking and powerful. Torrent’s mane flowed like a river of emerald and gold, and he had even grown a long, majestic beard, which Merina took to grooming meticulously. She would brush it until it shone, taking great pride in his appearance. Every tuft of fur and scale was cleaned and preened, as Torrent had to look his best for the lady Kirin who had stolen his heart.
For weeks, Pacificus and Merina devoted themselves to him, their bond with Torrent growing deeper with each act of care. They followed him like silent shadows, watching his every move. They allowed him to fight, knowing he needed to, but they were always ready to rush to his side afterward, to heal and strengthen him. They fed him generously, making sure he was never without the fuel he needed. Under their watchful eyes, Torrent’s scars from his many battles healed, leaving faint marks that spoke of his strength and endurance. To Pacificus and Merina, these scars were not blemishes but badges of honor, symbols of the powerful Kirin their friend had become.
The transformation was undeniable. Torrent stood taller, prouder, his presence commanding. He was more than just a Kirin now—he had become a living embodiment of the forest’s might, a creature of beauty and strength. His muscles rippled beneath his scales as he moved, and his eyes held a wisdom that belied his years. He looked every bit like an ancient, wingless dragon, exuding an air of authority and grace. His very aura spoke of power, and those who saw him could not help but be awed. He was a majestic sight to behold, a true King of the Ever Resting Forest.
But even a King needs a Queen.
Pacificus and Merina watched in anticipation as Torrent approached the lady Kirin. The aftermath of his latest battle still clung to him—his mane rugged, and his eyes were bright with determination. His muscles rippled under his emerald and crimson scales, a testament to the many skirmishes he had endured. The lady Kirin moved towards him with a measured grace, her own mane shimmering like dark velvet in the muted light of the forest. Her eyes were deep and knowing, like the calm surface of a hidden spring, and they never wavered from Torrent’s as she drew closer.
The couple exchanged a glance, feeling the tension in the air. Torrent, their once chubby companion, now stood tall and muscular, a commanding presence that exuded both power and grace. Yet, as much as his exterior had changed, they could see the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. He hesitated, his movements more cautious than bold. Despite his newfound strength and size, he still harbored the shy heart of the Kirin they had come to know and love. He began to back away, his eyes darting nervously between the lady Kirin and the forest around him.
Merina squeezed Pacificus’s hand, her voice barely above a whisper. “Look, Pacy,” she murmured, leaning closer. “She’s making the move.” Her eyes sparkled with excitement, a smile playing at her lips.
Pacificus nodded, his gaze fixed on Torrent. “It’s all up to him now,” he replied softly. He could sense Torrent’s conflict, the instinct to run battling with the newfound feelings he didn’t quite understand. His ears flicked back and forth, and he glanced towards his humans, his eyes silently pleading for reassurance.
Catching his gaze, Merina smiled encouragingly, lifting her thumbs up in a gesture of support. “You got this,” she mouthed silently, her face beaming with pride and affection.
Torrent seemed to draw courage from her silent encouragement. He turned back to the lady Kirin, as she closed the distance between them, her muzzle touched his neck, her tongue darting out to lick his face. The gesture was tender, a promise and a declaration all in one. Torrent blinked in surprise, his eyes wide. Her tongue slid over his scales again, the touch both soothing and electric, sending a shiver through him.
“Oh,” Pacificus breathed. “She chose him.”
Merina’s hand tightened around his, her smile widening. “So that’s how they court each other,” she whispered, her voice filled with wonder. She watched as Torrent hesitated for a moment longer, then leaned in to return the gesture. His own tongue brushed against her scales, tentative at first but growing bolder as she nuzzled closer. They licked each other’s faces, exchanging warmth and scent, their necks entwining in a dance of affection that needed no words.
Merina and Pacificus exchanged a look, the significance of the moment washing over them. “It’s official,” they whispered together, their eyes never leaving the pair of Kirins.
Under the ancient, towering trees of the Ever Resting Forest, with the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy above and the soft murmur of leaves in the wind, they witnessed the birth of a new bond.
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With a new objective in their minds, Pacificus and Merina turned their attention to the next challenge: taming a wild Kirin. Torrent, their beloved companion, had been raised by them since he was a fawn. They had found him in a tragic scene, a helpless baby Kirin alone in the forest, his mother’s body lying lifeless at the jaws of a carnotaur. Their hearts had broken at the sight, and they’d taken Torrent in, nurturing and raising him into the majestic creature he had become. Taming Torrent had been a natural process, one of instinct and care, shaping a young mind still open to trust and love.
But taming an adult Kirin, especially one as wild and independent as the lady Kirin, would be a different endeavor altogether. She was not a blank slate like Torrent had been, but a creature of the Ever Resting Forest, a place where survival meant being alert, wary, and often avoiding creatures like humans. Her instincts had been honed by the forest’s dangers, her trust hard-earned and rarely given. She had grown up among the whispering trees, the dappled shadows, and the rustling leaves, always aware of the potential threats lurking in the underbrush.
Pacificus frowned slightly, his brow furrowing in thought. “This won’t be easy,” he said, his voice tinged with determination and a hint of caution. “We need to gain her trust, but it’s going to be a slow process. She’s not like Torrent. She’s... set in her ways, wild and free. We can’t expect her to trust us immediately.”
Merina nodded, her eyes thoughtful as she considered their options. “But we can start the same way we did with Torrent,” she suggested, her voice filled with optimism. “By offering her food. If we show her we mean no harm, that we’re here to provide and not take away, maybe we can get her to come closer. At her own pace.”
She remembered how they had slowly earned Torrent’s trust, offering him small treats, gently talking to him, showing him they were friends, not foes. It had taken time and patience, but eventually, Torrent had come to them, seeking their presence as much as they sought his.
Pacificus nodded, though his expression remained serious. “Yes, food is a good start. But we have to be careful. We need to make sure she feels safe, that she knows she has the option to leave whenever she wants. It’s about building trust, not forcing it.” He looked out into the forest, where the lady Kirin had retreated, her presence a shadow among the trees. “And we have to accept that it might take a long time. Much longer than it did with Torrent.”
The couple’s minds were set. They were prepared for the long, patient process of earning the lady Kirin’s trust. With each step, they would have to show her that they were not a threat, that their presence was a promise of food, safety, and eventually, friendship. They knew they couldn’t rush her, that their actions had to be consistent and gentle. They had to respect her space and her boundaries, allowing her to come to them in her own time.
The thought of succeeding filled them with a quiet, hopeful excitement. If they managed to tame the lady Kirin, if she accepted them as her own as Torrent had, they could have something truly special. A pair of Kirins—one tamed and one wild, together. They envisioned the sight of the two Kirins side by side, Torrent with his muscular, regal presence, and the lady Kirin with her soft, gentle grace. The idea of having a breeding pair of Kirins was a thrilling prospect, a rare and precious gift.
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"A breeding pair of Kirins," Merina said, a smile spreading across her face, the light of possibility sparkling in her eyes. "Pacy, in my homeland, we would be considered nobles if we pulled this off. Do you realize how rare this is? It’s like finding a living myth and then multiplying it." The excitement in her voice was palpable, the dream of what they could achieve with Torrent and the lady Kirin growing more vivid with each passing day.
Pacificus's expression softened, but there was a thoughtful crease in his brow. “A breeding pair, huh…?” he mused, considering the implications. The idea was tempting, the thought of baby Kirins frolicking in their fields, bringing a sense of magic and wonder to their farm. But a lingering doubt gnawed at him. “But Rina, I don’t want to sell their fawn… It just doesn’t feel right. Don’t you think it would be better if the lady Kirin stays here, in her home?”
Merina tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “What do you mean, my love?”
Pacificus sighed, searching for the right words. “Well, you see, Rina, Kirins are wild creatures. As brutal and unforgiving as the Ever Resting Forest can be, it’s still where they belong. This forest is her home. It’s where she knows how to live, where she understands the rhythms of life. To take her away from that… it would be like plucking a flower from its roots and expecting it to bloom in a vase. It might survive, but would it truly live?”
Merina sighed softly, her smile fading into a look of understanding. “You’re right, Pacy. I can see that. It wouldn’t be fair to take her away from all this, to force her into our world where she doesn’t belong.”
Pacificus nodded, his face a mixture of relief and concern. “If we had a breeding pair of Kirins, what would their children do on a farm? What place would they have in the human world? I’ve seen people use magnificent creatures like Hippogriffs for the purpose of war… I don’t want that for their children. I don’t want them to be tools or weapons. I want them to be free, to live their lives as they were meant to, not as we decide.”
Merina’s eyes softened, filled with a mix of love and sadness. “You’re right, Pacy… but…” she hesitated, glancing toward Torrent, who was grazing nearby, his powerful form a symbol of strength and freedom. “But don’t you think Torrent would become lonely if he was alone on the farm? He’s spent so much time with us, but he’s still a Kirin at heart. He needs his own kind, his own companions. I’ve seen how he looks at her… There’s something there, something we can’t provide him. He needs more than just us.”
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Pacificus fell silent, the weight of her words settling over him. He looked at Torrent, who was so much more than a mere animal to him. Torrent was a friend, a companion, someone who had shared their lives and their hearts. He had fought bravely, grown strong, and become the biggest Kirin they had ever seen. Torrent had become a symbol of the wild’s strength and beauty, and of the bond that could exist between man and beast.
"P-Pacy… I know he’s domesticated, but I think he still has a chance here," Merina continued softly, her voice tinged with a plea. "We’ve seen him survive those fights. He’s thrived out here. He’s become part of the forest just as much as he’s been part of our lives. Maybe… maybe he could have a life here with her. A life that’s truly his own.”
Pacificus's heart ached at the thought. The idea of letting Torrent go, of giving him the chance to live in the wild with his own kind, was both beautiful and terrifying. “Maybe… maybe he does still have a chance,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. The conflict was evident in his eyes as he looked at Merina, searching for answers in her gaze. “But Rina… should we let him go instead? Should we set him free?”
Merina’s hand slipped into his, her fingers intertwining with his. She looked at him, her eyes reflecting the same uncertainty, the same love. “I… I don’t know, Pacy,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “I don’t want to lose him. He’s been a part of our family for so long. But if it’s what’s best for him… if it’s what he truly needs… then maybe we should. Maybe we should give him the chance to choose his own path, just like we’ve chosen ours.”
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It was a crisp morning, the kind where the air felt fresh and the sunlight filtered gently through the canopy of trees. Pacificus was busy tending to his morning routine, stirring a pot of Torrent's favorite stew. The savory aroma wafted through the air, filling the small clearing where Torrent grazed contentedly. His thick mane rippled with the morning breeze as he waited, eyes gleaming with anticipation. Pacificus smiled at the sight of his companion’s eagerness, then noticed movement out of the corner of his eye.
The lady Kirin was there, standing at the edge of the clearing, half-hidden behind a tree. Her large, dark eyes watched them intently, her ears flicking with every sound. She stood with her head low, muscles tensed, legs coiled as if she were ready to bolt at the slightest movement. Pacificus knew that if it weren’t for Torrent’s presence, she would have already vanished into the depths of the forest. Her curiosity was stronger than her fear, though, and she stayed, watching the pair.
An idea sparked in Pacificus’s mind. He grabbed the large, wooden bowl filled with steaming stew and began to walk slowly toward her, his movements measured and calm. Torrent followed close behind, his nose twitching as the delicious scent of the stew filled his nostrils. He glanced at the lady Kirin, his eyes filled with a mixture of excitement and encouragement.
Pacificus stopped a few meters away from the wary Kirin, careful not to come too close. He could feel the tension in the air, the unspoken communication passing between them. The lady Kirin’s eyes were wide, her gaze locked on him, every muscle in her body still taut, ready to flee. He set the wooden bowl down gently on the ground, keeping his movements slow and deliberate, then took a few steps back, giving her space.
Torrent moved toward his mate, his large frame casting a protective shadow over the bowl. His nostrils flared as he nudged the bowl toward her, a low, comforting rumble escaping his throat. There was a playful glint in his eyes as he turned to her, inviting her to share in the meal. The lady Kirin hesitated, her gaze flicking between Pacificus and Torrent. The promise of safety and food battled with her instinct to run. Slowly, she took a tentative step forward, then another, until she was standing beside Torrent.
Her head dipped cautiously toward the bowl, taking a hesitant sip of the stew. The warm, rich flavors danced on her tongue, and she relaxed slightly, taking a few more sips before finally settling in to eat. Torrent watched her with approval, his own head dipping into the bowl beside hers. The two Kirins shared the meal, their muzzles occasionally brushing against one another, a quiet understanding passing between them.
Merina stood nearby, quietly observing the scene as she cleaned some fur. A smile tugged at her lips as she watched the Kirins sharing the bowl, a sense of accomplishment and hope blooming in her chest. "We need a bigger bowl," she remarked to Pacificus, her tone light and filled with amusement. She could already imagine the two Kirins side by side, feasting together as they built a bond over shared meals.
Pacificus nodded, his eyes never leaving the pair of Kirins. He was filled with a sense of awe at how they had come to this moment. The wild Kirin, once so skittish and frightened, was now sharing a meal with Torrent, her fear slowly melting away.
And so, each morning and evening, Pacificus and Merina would feed the wild Kirin in the same way they fed Torrent, with patience, love, and trust.
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Taming a Kirin was never meant to be a quick task, and the journey had taken them deeper into the heart of the Ever Resting Forest. The landscape around them had transformed into something otherworldly, like a green ocean teeming with life, where towering trees stretched endlessly in every direction. The trunks of these ancient trees were massive, their roots forming a dense, interwoven network that rose and dipped like waves in the verdant sea.
The thunder beasts, colossal creatures that they had come to rely on, moved as a herd through this vast, living ocean. Each one was so immense that they resembled moving islands, their backs wide enough to carry entire ecosystems. The water had grown so deep that it now reached their chests, a testament to the ever-changing landscape of the forest. Floating plants, their broad leaves dotted with vibrant flowers, drifted in the water, either being pushed aside by the lumbering frames of the thunder beasts or caught in the eddies they created. Every now and then, a massive amphibian would leap from the water onto one of these floating islands, disappearing into the tangle of roots and leaves.
The trees above were a world of their own, teeming with life. Giant cockatrices perched on high branches, their feathers shimmering like jewels in the dappled sunlight. Deer with elongated limbs and delicate hooves bounded gracefully from one branch to another, moving through the canopy as easily as a squirrel would in a more ordinary forest. In the skies above, the flapping of wings filled the air as pegasi and hippogriffs soared in lazy circles, their sharp eyes scanning the ground below. Among them, Kirins flew with regal elegance, their scales gleaming in the sunlight as they circled, still trying to catch the attention of Torrent's lady. Torrent, ever vigilant and fiercely protective, would chase these intruders away, his powerful wings beating the air as he defended what was his.
Amidst all this, Pacificus stood at the edge of one of the thunder beasts' heads, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The great beast beneath him moved with a slow, deliberate pace, its massive body barely disturbed by the weight of the small figure atop it. Pacificus' expression was one of deep concentration, his eyes scanning the waters and the towering trees for any sign of danger. In his hands, he gripped the hilt of his mother’s greatsword, a weapon so large that the blade towered above him. Its edge was sharp, gleaming faintly in the sunlight that filtered through the canopy. He knew all too well that while the thunder beasts were nearly invincible, with few creatures daring to challenge them, there was one exception.
In the depths of the Ever Resting Forest, where even the bravest of creatures feared to tread, there lived a predator so fearsome that it commanded respect from all who knew of it. This creature was the true apex predator of the Ever Resting Forest, a beast that even the ancient dragons, with all their power and might, were known to avoid. Its very presence was enough to send ripples of fear through the hearts of those who sensed it, a living embodiment of the forest's darkest and most dangerous secrets.
Pacificus tightened his grip on the greatsword, his muscles tensing as he continued to survey the landscape. He knew that, should this creature make an appearance, it would take every ounce of his strength and skill to protect not just himself, but also Merina, Torrent, and the fragile bond they had forged with the lady Kirin. The forest was alive with danger, and Pacificus was ready, his mind sharp and his blade ready, prepared to face whatever might emerge from the depths of the Ever Resting Forest.
“Pacy,” Merina called softly, her voice laced with affection as she wrapped her arms around her lover from behind, resting her head against his back. She could feel the warmth of his body through his clothes, the solidness of him beneath her touch, and it brought her a sense of peace. She pressed a gentle kiss to his shoulder, a simple gesture that spoke volumes of her love and comfort in his presence.
Pacificus felt her embrace and smiled, his heart swelling with a deep-seated love that only Merina could stir. He leaned back slightly into her, enjoying the sensation of her warmth, her touch a balm against the constant vigilance required in the depths of the Ever Resting Forest.
“It’s beautiful, Pacy,” Merina murmured, her eyes sweeping over the lush, vibrant landscape that spread out before them. The air was filled with the sounds of life—chirping birds, the rustle of leaves, and the occasional bellow of the thunder beasts. The sight of the endless greenery, punctuated by bursts of color from the flowers that floated on the water’s surface, was a living painting of the forest's beauty.
“It is,” Pacificus agreed, though his eyes remained fixed on the waters ahead, his expression serious. He watched every movement, every ripple caused by the drifting plants and flowers. His senses were attuned to the slightest hint of danger, his hand still resting on the hilt of his greatsword. Despite the serenity of the scene, he knew better than to lower his guard.
“Are we getting close, my love?” Merina asked, curiosity and excitement mingling in her voice.
Pacificus smiled, a soft chuckle escaping his lips as he glanced back at her. “Yes,” he replied. “If we keep up this pace, we’ll reach the Temple of Gaia and Thanatos in a month or two.” His voice held a note of anticipation, the kind that only came with the promise of a long-awaited destination.
“What does the temple look like?” Merina asked, her curiosity piqued by the mention of the divine refuge.
Pacificus raised his hand, pointing towards the distant horizon. “It’s there, dear,” he said simply.
Merina followed the direction of his hand, her eyes widening as they focused on the far-off sight. There, towering above everything else, stood a tree so immense it took her breath away. It was unlike anything she had ever seen. The other ancient trees that surrounded them seemed insignificant in comparison, like mere saplings next to the colossal giant. Its trunk was enormous, wide enough to contain entire towns within its vast circumference. The bark was a deep, rich brown, etched with patterns that looked like veins of light. Its branches spread out like an enormous canopy, leaves forming a dense, verdant crown that reached towards the heavens, casting a shadow over the forest below.
“Pa-Pacy… it’s huge,” she whispered, awe filling her voice. The sheer scale of the tree was overwhelming, its majesty and grandeur beyond anything she had imagined.
“That’s where we’re going, my love,” Pacificus said, his voice tinged with a sense of reverence. “That is the refuge of the Goddess of Life and her consort, the God of Death.” His words carried the weight of ancient history, of legends whispered by those who dared to venture into the heart of the Ever Resting Forest.
Merina gazed at the colossal tree, her heart racing with a mixture of excitement and reverence. The thought of standing beneath its mighty boughs, of feeling the presence of the deities who called it home, filled her with a sense of purpose and awe. It was more than just a destination; it was a place of power, of ancient magic, where the forces of life and death intertwined.
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The lady Kirin remained cautious of the humans, her eyes always tracking their movements with a wary gaze. However, her trust in her mate, Torrent, was unshakable, and that trust extended enough for her to approach the meals provided by Pacificus. The stew was not only savory but filled with the rich nutrients that kept her strong. She would eat alongside Torrent, savoring the flavors, while always maintaining a safe distance from the humans. Her ears would twitch at every sound they made, her body ready to bolt if she sensed any threat.
While the pair of Kirins fed, Pacificus and Merina stood a short distance away, watching the scene with a mixture of pride and sadness. The sight of Torrent sharing his meal with his mate warmed their hearts, a testament to their success in caring for him and earning his trust. Merina had her arms full of bags, containing the essentials they would need for their journey. Pacificus carried even more, his muscles straining under the weight but his expression calm and focused. They had prepared for this moment, knowing it was time to move on.
Without a word, they left their makeshift hut, the place that had been their home in the heart of the Ever Resting Forest. Pacificus bent slightly, sweeping Merina into his arms with ease. She let out a small, surprised yelp as he leaped with a powerful push from his legs. They soared upward, Pacificus aiming for the top of a nearby thunder beast’s head. His landing was precise, feet finding purchase on the broad expanse of the creature’s cranium. Merina clung to him, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, her cheeks flushing with both exhilaration and a hint of fear from the unexpected height.
The thunder beast, massive and slow-moving, barely noticed the couple's presence as Pacificus bounded off its head, using a thick vine hanging from the canopy to swing to the next beast. His movements were fluid, almost effortless, despite the burden of Merina in his arms and the supplies strapped to his back. They moved with the silent grace of jungle cats, Pacificus’s eyes scanning ahead for the best path. With each leap, Merina’s heart pounded not just from the thrill of the motion but from the realization of her lover’s strength. She knew Pacificus was strong, but witnessing his power in this way, carrying her as if she weighed nothing, was a revelation. To think, she mused, blushing at the thought, he was holding back all this time, even in their most intimate moments.
Their final leap landed them softly onto a thick branch of one of the ancient trees that bordered the thunder beasts' grazing area. The branch was broad, covered with moss and small plants, sturdy enough to support their weight. From this vantage point, they could see the herd of thunder beasts below, moving slowly through the green waters, their enormous forms pushing aside the humongous plants and flowers. The sight was majestic, a living reminder of the forest's ancient, untamed beauty.
The pair looked one last time at the majestic thunder beasts.
With a final, silent farewell, Pacificus and Merina turned away, disappearing into the thick foliage of the Ever Resting Forest. Their hearts were heavy, but they knew this was the right path. They had raised Torrent, watched him grow strong and find his place in the wild. Now, it was time to let him live the life he was meant to, under the watchful eyes of his wild mate, in the ancient forest that had always been his true home.