I ran full pelt through the undergrowth, revelling in the stretch of unfamiliar muscles and the slight ache of strenuous exercise. My Feline Form wasn’t really suited to temperate forests but thankfully, I wasn’t really a Snow leopard. I could adapt t0 different environments but I admit, I’d be happier in the tree tops. Still, I was covering a lot of ground, weaving around the trees, leaping over tangled undergrowth, it was exhilarating. I hadn’t really had the chance to push myself in my new forms like this and I felt the need to explore myself and my surroundings through new eyes. Unfortunately, I had little time for fun at the moment.

I’d awoken to a message from my network, requesting a meeting outside The Capital's walls, so here I was, alone and racing through the forests, trying not to be distracted by all the new sights, smells and sounds, though it did make keeping an eye out for threats a lot easier. I managed to avoid a feasting slothbear quite easily, thank goodness. Stil1, the towering trees stretching high above, teased and tempted me. I wonder what it would be like to climb them like I did as a child, only it must be so much easier in my Feline Form. Getting down would be the issue but, the view would be worth it. Maybe on the way back.

Kine knew where I was, I’d let him know just before I left, but I’d left my guards behind, much to their chagrin. I wasn’t sure who would be at the meeting, it would depend on who was closest, but none would appreciate my Icanthie guards lingering as we spoke of sensitive things, despite the fact that they had become my friends. They’d earned my trust but not the Myath’s. I half suspected that Eecee had talked big brother Kaylor into following me at a safe distance, despite orders, but I couldn’t detect them so...

My map beeped, pu1ling me from my frolicking and letting me know I’d reached the meeting point and I shifted back to my Resting Form. It felt good to travel through the wilderness again. We Myath are a bit paranoid, so I had a few more steps before this meeting could start, like finding the participants. I followed the secret instructions, encoded and hidden in my message, which sent me Southwest for forty-two paces. I had to look for a thin branch that had been twisted just so but, this is a forest. There are lots of branches... still I found it, eventually. From here, I turned South again for another seventy-seven paces. This should be it.

I heard them before I saw them. Normally, so close to one of the mega-cities, any Myath travelling would maintain absolute silence, relying on w0odcraft to navigate and a combination of telepathy and hand signs to communicate. So I was puzzled when I thought I heard something. Tilting my head, I tried to find it again but, nothing. Odd. I crept slowly forward, expecting to see them at any moment, until I realised it was me. My Myath contacts hadn't deviated from procedure, I just wasn’t the same since the last time I’d done this. My hearing and sense of smell were far more sensitive, a carry over from my Feline Form. I could hear their hearts, which were a little fast and I felt my whiskers twitch as I sensed the minute movements they made.

“Determination. Kindness. Protection.”

Though I spoke telepathically, I kept my mental voice quiet, some instinct keeping me wary. Rather than signalling an open link, I targeted my communication into the foliage where I thought they were concealed, using the three random words they'd assigned me with their instructions. Again, they provided a code with them s0 I’d know how to change them from the words given to the ones they expected to hear. I told you the Myath were paranoid. Well, maybe cautious was a better word. They needed to know that 1.) It was me and 2.) I wasn’t part of a trap.

I waited, a little anxious as to how I would be received, as the long moments stretched out.

“Endure. Live. Quail.”

The answering code of random words returned to me and from one b1ink to the next, two familiar figures emerged to greet me, banishing my nerves and replacing them with relief and jubilation.

“Namada!” I almost exclaimed aloud, my joy at seeing my friend overwhelming.

We embraced in a fierce hug, just so happy to meet safely again. I’d been worried about all the Myath since I’d left them, especially when reading reports of flo0ds and damage, but Namada was a very close friend and I’d missed her dearly. We leaned back, grasping each other’s elbows and scrutinising each other’s faces. Goodness knows what she saw but, to me, she looked... mostly the same. A little tired perhaps but her eyes were the same slightly sad, kind eyes I remembered.

“Sierra. It’s so good to see you again. You look well.”

“Thanks Namada. I’m so happy to see you.” I smiled but was distracted by the second figure. “Thellip! I didn’t think to see you here. I’m so glad you are, I can’t thank you enough for carrying those messages for me. I know what risks you took.”

Thellip was his usual, slightly stoic self but I managed to get a hug from him, purring a little as I squeezed him. An amused smile flickered across both their faces and I realised I’d picked up some habits since I’d been away. I shouldn’t have made any noise. Feeling my tai1 bush out ever so slightly in self consciousness, I tried to return to the reason for our meeting.

“Im so happy to see you both but we shouldn’t linger long. What did you want to discuss?”

Namada, being her usual practical self, took the lead.

“The leaders of all the communities, as well as our allies and your personal network, have discussed the Icanthie King's proposal. We agree that there is something going on globally that we need to tackle and it is unlikely any one race, alone can solve this... We are prepared to cooperate if it will save our home. In light of that, we think it would be better if you stayed with your Icanthie kin for now. With them, you are far better placed to keep us informed and protect us. As long as you feel it is safe, we won’t object to your participation in whatever comes next.”

“Really? I’m surprised you all managed to agree. I’ve honestly been thinking about rejoining you all, and work like I used to. I may need to visit some of the ancient sites to find what we need.”

“Yes, that is still a possibility, but first we should see what the races have to offer. This global issue may be the first time in centuries the races come together. If that happens, we’d like the Myath represented if possible. Just... be safe about it. Okay?”

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I nodded my agreement.

“Now in the meantime, we like to discuss what your King Kine has offered. It’s an opportunity like none we’ve ever had before and I don’t think it would be possible if not for you. Likewise, it may not succeed without you, both sides are too sceptical or cautious I think. Now, I’m sorry, but none have volunteered to join you openly so far. They’re just too scared or can’t take the risk. We only have your kin as protection at the moment and it’s not enough for the rest of us.”

I looked down, sad at her answer. But I understood. No matter how much I wanted some of my friends with me, I wouldn’t risk them if they didn’t feel safe.

“I understand Namada. I’m in a unique position and it’s not exactly a stable place to be.”

I paused, struggling to find the right words, I didn’t want her to think my kin weren’t trustworthy but at the same time... but Namada wasn’t finished.

“On the other hand, this village idea... if this village truly is safe, where, by law, the Myath are protected, we may consider making it a rest point and emergency shelter. Obviously, we'd like to vet the officials there, make sure they’re not on any of our alert lists and we’d appreciate any insight you could give us. Buuuuut.... we think it could work. Possibly.”

I was overjoyed and I think it came across.

“Namada that great! I know it’s going to be a bit rocky but it’s the first step.” My telepathic voice almost dropped to a whisper. “Maybe Kine can really do it.”

“Not just him, Sierra. It will take all of us to make real change.”

“I know. And I’m not naive. Until we have it in law, we keep to the shadows, maybe even more so. Create new codes, double check all intel. These floods mean the routes will have to change, make sure they're triple checked before committing to a new route. The Illofra have been changing their migration patterns too, they may have the best intel. Be careful how much our allies know, they may be the target of backlash when word of the village gets out. Make sure the emergency shelters and food storages are secure and well stocked in case we need to retreat for a while. I’ll always be available if you need anything okay?”

Namada smiled indulgently.

“What?” I asked, half smiling myself.

“Despite how much you’ve changed, you’re still you. It’s good to see. And before you go worrying yourself and drawing up seven contingency plans, we’ve already thought of most of that. Now, Thellip is going to continue prioritising your messages and he’ll visit regularly to make sure nothing is lost in our communications. I’ve also had word that your personal network are going to try to keep eyes on you so you can use your emergency signals at anytime.” She hesitated before continuing. “How bad is this crisis really Sierra?”

“It’s bad Namada. It’s global and, if we can’t figure it out, I’m not sure what will happen. This involves things no one really deals with anymore. We need so much just to even begin and I don’t know if we can get it.”

“... well. We’ll just have to do our best won’t we. We can do this Sierra and I don’t know anyone better at getting ornery factions to cooperate than you. Just keep going, one step forward at a time. And if we fail, then at least be did our best and fought to the end.”

I smiled and we hugged again. She was right, we needed to pull up our sleeves and work hard if we were going to solve this. We chatted very briefly, before parting ways with wishes of ‘silent travels!’ And ‘stay safe’, all eager to get back and begin. Before he transformed and flew off into the trees, Thellip whispered two words to me. I gaped, eyes wide with surprise that I could have forgotten but before I could speak, he was gone and I stared off in thought, eventually turning to speed back to the Capital, ignoring the lure of the tree tops. Maybe...

***

Kine was waiting for me when I returned to the mansion as the sun sank low on the horizon. We hugged and headed up to his suite to talk rather than his office. This was private stuff and rather personal to me. Mathias, my ever quiet cuddly rock, joined us. It seemed he'd been training with some of the Elites for most of the rotation, something he hadn’t done in a long time. It was good to see him interact with others, it felt like he was more settled of late.

“How did it go?” Kine asked as we settled into soft cushions, little plates of food on our laps.

I swallowed my bite hurriedly before answering, “Good and bad. They’re not ready to have people join me here, but a few friends will check in with me every now and then and they’re seriously considering the village. They probably won’t stay there but it would be a safe resupply point and emergency shelter for them. They're going to want to check out the guards and citizens there before they’ll agree to visit but... they want it to work, they just aren’t sure if it will. They’re also really concerned about the floods and such.”

“Mmmmm. I believe we all are. I’m glad they’re willing to try, I want it to work.” Kine responded then looked at me, piercingly. “But what about you? What did you decide to do?”

“They think I should stay.”

“Mm-Hmm. But what do you think?”

“I want to stay. I don’t want to leave you... but I don’t want to leave them either and I’m not sure what I would do here. They seem to be getting along fine without me there, which is a bit of a relief, knowing that they're okay no matter what. Dad and I tried to build it that way so it would continue if we’re gone.” I shifted a little, my feelings all muddled. “I guess I’m a little adrift. This global crisis hangs over us like a looming threat and yet we’re waiting. But even when we finally have action, the other races may react poorly to me and that risks us finding a solution. So I wonder if my time can be better spent somewhere else.”

“Ignore the rest of them. I value your contributions, you’ve already made a difference both here in the Capital and in finding this connection to the moon. If they are unwilling to cooperate, all they do is spite themselves. We work with whoever is willing to work with us to solve this. All we can do is our best, alright?” I nodded, a wobbly smile on my face. “I know trying to find your place is difficult, but I have faith you’ll get there. Try new things and see what you like. But, it may have to wait.”

“What do you mean Kine?” I asked, noticing the glint in his eye.

“I’ve had a request from the Drake delegation.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, I’ve been asked to send a delegation to the Drake Kingdom, to begin organising this Gathering. They’ve requested that you join it.” He paused while I absorbed that, a little stunned at the request. “I’m thinking of sending my Sister as Ambassador. She has experience in political manoeuvrings and should be a good fit. You remember her right? She sat in for me on the trials.”

“Errr, yes, Niah. But won’t she have to keep sitting on the trial panel?”

“No, if it is still inappropriate for me to sit on the trial, another Royal can stand in. I’ll probably stay impartial, just to be safe.”

“Oh, okay. But, why did the Drake delegation request me?”

“Well, that may have been my fault. In the interests of openness, we shared the debris analyses with them, though we kept quiet about your sources. As you probably know, the Drakes are avid scholars. I suspect they’d desperate for more information or insight from a fresh source.” He looked at me, head tilted slightly so his fringe fell into his eyes before he swept it back. “Are you okay?”

“What if they want to study me or get my secrets from me? You know I can’t reveal much without the consent of the Myath or without endangering them.”

“I know and that is why, if you choose to go, I’m sending your guards with you and some of my best people. You are my kin and an Icanthie Royal Sierra. You are protected, remember that. Besides, the Drakes are an agreeable bunch. They don’t have a history of hurting or hunting the Myath. I wouldn’t advise you to go if I didn’t think it was safe. The Gathering will probably be more dangerous than this. Either way, you have the choice.”

“Hmmm.” I responded thoughtfully. “I’ll give it some proper thought and planning but I have to admit, I’m inclined to go.” I admitted sheepishly. The Drake may be avid scholars, but I too had a deep love and curiosity for finding the past.

“I’m not surprised.” Kine smiled and huffed a laugh.

We settled into a peaceful evening. Though it didn’t feel like it, we had time. Decision and disasters could wait, I’d make the most of this moment. So we spent some time just being together, Mathias happy to doze as Kine and I talked about everything going on in our lives, the busy schedule. We nibbled and laughed and expressed surprise that it had only been three moons since we met. I’m so glad we did. Even were he not my kin, I suspect Kine and I would have been good friends.

Eventually, our talk circled back around to the looming danger we both felt.

“I think the frustrating thing is all the waiting. I not sure about you Sierra but, I far rather be doing something. Unfortunately things like the Gathering take time to plan and I feel we have very little time to spare.” Kine sighed. It was getting late and we’d been talking all evening.

“I know what you mean.” I murmured sleepily.

“I envy you a little, going with the Drakes. At least the travel and interactions there give you something to do to distract yourself..”

“Mmmm.” I wasn’t really listening, though I heard him.

“What? Sierra? You’re worlds away.”

“I’m sorry Kine, I was just thinking about something Thellip said.” Kine just waited patiently, seeing if I’d share my thoughts.

“... don’t laugh.” I warned. He held up his hand and waited for me to continue. “We need help and information, which we hope we can get from the races but, well what if there's someone else? Kine, have you heard of The Guide?”