- Nereus
Meaning:
- His name simply means water, but throughout the century it has been used by many famous people, including a god of the sea.
Personality/Backstory:
- Soft winds ruffled the little pup's fur as he stood on the edge of the cliff, peering over the edge. For a few quick moments, he looked out over water. From the stories he had heard, he thought that he was supposed to be feeling brave or powerful. Nereus didn't feel any of those things, he just felt scared.
That was a good metaphor for Nereus' life. In all those moments, like when he would be called up to demonstrate a hunting move because he had mastered it ahead of his fellows, or being put in charge of his patrol for the first time, he never felt proud or brave. No, Nereus just felt scared. He didn't want to be a leader, he didn't want to have all those eyes on him.
This often made hunting difficult for him. Most of the time, when he would know better then another hunter on his patrol, whether it be strategy or practice, he wouldn't say anything. It wasn't that he didn't want to, he did, he just couldn't. Those few times he forced himself to speak up it was rare for anyone to hear him or listen.
It was a problem for him, and no matter how he tried, it wasn't something he could overcome on his own.
So he got some help.
Kaihalulu:
This young owl came into Nereus' life by mistake. On a hunt, the blue xholis had stumbled upon the little owlet and something about how helpless she had been had tugged at his heartstrings. So he brought her back with him, to be kept a secret at least until she had grown enough that he knew she would do well.
The two grew close, though Nereus' refused to name her until such time as he had gotten permission from his Liege to keep the little screech owl. Said permission had been hard won, but given the little owl's efficiency in keeping away the mice from the den, she was given permission to stay.
Even then, Nereus had still not given her a name, as he had yet to find some trait of her that stood out enough for a name. Until she was brought along on his first hunt. She had ridden along on top of his head, perfectly content to perch as she listened to the patrol discuss their hunting, until such time as Nereus tried to speak up.
The little owl did not appreciate the others talking over her savoir, and she made that displeasure known in form of a shockingly loud screech. Startled, the whole of the patrol looked over at the two in shock. Somehow, it was in that moment that Nereus managed to find the courage speak up in little mumbled words about his own plan.
It was the first time he was listened to on a hunt, but certainly not the last.
Later that day, after talking to one of the elders who was very wise with words, he had found the perfect name for his friend.
Kaihalulu, The Loud Sea. Someone to speak for the water when all it could produce was whispers.
