❥ Writing for Kiamara 200 C:

[4kcuo]

Oh hello there C:
I'm planning to write a lot for Kiamara 200, whom I'm naming Quinn, and I thought I'd put it here so it could be more orderly!
Please don't post, and don't critique unless you really really feel the need to.
Thanks so much!~

Part One
Part Two
Part Three

[4kcuo]

~ gorgeousness by paradox. ~

ＰＡＳＴ
finished on april 23rd :D

At the moment, she's in her youth, around 12-13 in human years. Told from her point of view, before the transformation.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯A cold, shrill wind blew through the small collection of mud homes, the last trace of a dying winter. "Quintina, go out to take a walk- you need the exercise." my mother had ordered me, eyeing my piteous amount of muscle and my scrawny coat. I nodded yes and trotted out the door, ready to take my normal route through the forest. I had always loved the forest, even as a small child. When I first saw it, I couldn't believe all the colors! I had never seen any of the exotic flowers that sprouted there, or the vibrant shades of green- it was a beautiful sight! I went walking there almost every day.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯That day was no different. The beautiful shades of colors, the alluring scent- I couldn't wait to explore the wonderful place as my mother made dinner. I took my normal route, the entrance hidden by a clump of large elephant ears. I made sure the entrance was hid well, especially what happened with my little cousin- I had to drag him home with a million little hornet stingers in his tail! My mother almost didn't let me go back after that.
⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ Once I had been walking down the path for a couple minutes I spotted a small break in the path, a little trail of broken stems and crushed down leaves. Even though I knew I shouldn't of strayed from the path I couldn't resist! I swerved off my own little beaten route and onto the trail, until it opened out into a small clearing. Nothing big, I guess, but still a great find for me, for I had always hoped for a little resting place among the twisted roots in the forest.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ I quickly noticed a small foxhole-sort of opening in the ground, concealed by clumps of moss and some sticks. I was wary of it, since my mother had told me to stay away from foxes and badgers, so I stayed away. However when I smelled it it gave off no scent, not fox- or badger-like at all. My curiosity aroused, I parted the covered of twigs and moss on the entrance with my tail- making it's dark black fur be splotched and sticky with the green moss.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "Ewwwww!" I said to myself, at both my tail and the dark tunnel that had been previously hidden by the moss and twigs.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ The inside of the small tunnel was revolting, not to mention the overwhelming stench of rot. Spiders and a multitude of insects scurried over the rotting leaves that lay at the bottom, making it obvious that no one had traveled down the crawl space in many years. I gulped, definitely not wanting to go down it. But despite the appearance (and the smell) a small, echoing noise called to me, coming from the darkness and what seemed to be the end of the passage.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ I shook my head, wondering if it was just the woods playing a trick on me. But the singing still persisted, and I almost acted without thinking- I plunged headfirst into the tunnel! My muted yelp rang out in the tunnel, and I forced myself to crawl down- my entrance had stirred all the bugs into a frenzy and eventually they all had had scattered into the clearing. However, the mildew and rotting leaves remained, and my poor tongue couldn't stand the taste of vegetables for a week afterwards. The crawl space began to thin out, and I could barely fit through it by the time I noticed that the singing sound had gotten much, much louder. I pressed on, wanting to know what the strange noise was.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ As the tunnel got thinner and thinner I found myself panicking- I began to withdraw. Such a tight space made me a bit nervous, especially when the room was getting smaller and smaller. I only noticed that I was stuck when I felt a sharp pain in my hip, and was unable to escape. The claustrophobia closed in, and I charged forward into the dirt desperately.The ceiling caved in and a shower of dirt covered me, and I was blinded momentarily. I was surprised to see that when I instinctively raised my paw to wipe the soil from my eyes, I had room to do so. I opened my eyes, wondering what had happened and where I was.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ A grand site awaited me. I was sitting at the edge of a large, domed room- the remains, it seemed, of a large astronomy center of sorts. At the time I had no idea of this of course. I could only stare in wonder at the beautiful buttresses, the detailed arches that were carved into the wall, it was amazing! The great heavens, in all it's glory, was painted across the ceiling and walls; the solar system was carved into the floors, every detail painstakingly etched into the hard stone. In the very center, standing on top of the carving of the sun, was a raised platform, covered in beautiful etchings of stars, the moon, and the sun. It was gorgeous and on it lay multiple parchments, all crumbling to dust in front of me.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ I couldn't say how long I just walked around that room, my eyes wide with amazement. There was so many small parts so soak up, from the tiny painted names of each planet I'd ever heard of, to the detailed accounts of each star near our solar system. The only thing that was not grande about the place were the was the long, dark cracks running down from the very top, and the scraggly roots and vines that wound their way through the crevices. At the very top, a small crack of light came down; there must of been a window there, long ago, to let the sunlight in. The light was almost gone, seeing as the sun was about to set- I had to go home.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ I squeezed myself through the tunnel once more. It was much easier this time, because near the end I had scraped off a lot of the dirt that was on the ceiling with my back. The crawlspace widened out and I emerged into the small clearing, to see the sun setting quickly. I dodged the multitude of insects laying on the ground from when I had first entered, and searched for the little pathway that would lead me back to the main trail. I searched, with no reward- there was no indication of it anywhere! I called out for help, knowing that if I left the clearing I may get lost in the deep woods. I frantically looked around, seeing if I could see the main trail from here. With no avail, I plopped down and let despair come over me.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ As night fell, and the forest became alive with the nocturnal animals, I began to drift asleep. I had been a long day- it was incredibly exciting! I couldn't help wanting to sleep a little bit. The forest was unnerving, since I was unable to see any of the stalkers of the night with my poor nightvision. The only thing that alerted me of an incoming peril was the deep breath of a large creature- a huge one, it seemed! I backed up, feeling for the entrance to the crawlspace with my paw. The creature came closer, and as my eyes adjusted, I found it was a pregnant fox; the worst kind! Not wanting to pose a threat to her and her unborn kits, I slipped down the hole quickly. I was glad she was pregnant, because her swollen belly could not fit through the small hole.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ I curled up in place, not wanting to potentially hurt myself and fall on the loose rock strewn across the floor. Inside the ruins during the night was eerie, with the place being pitch black and quiet. The faint rustling of a nocturnal animal echoed down the tunnel, and I shielded myself with my tail fearfully. The terror finally seeping away, I drifted to sleep- only to see that the horrible sounds had followed me into my dreams. Thrashing and sweating, I spent my night full of terrible nightmares, mostly the same one over and over again. The horrors! The dream I remember most vividly was one of a beautiful kiamara, with hair made of floating, pink fibers, slowly being transformed to stone. I shut my eyes tighter, wishing the visions would go away.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ As I awoke from the desperate swirl of nightmares, it occurred to me that right above the small entrance hole and alcove was carved into the wall. The lining of it was delicately carved, covered in intricate designs and painted with a bright gold paint. In the alcove lay the most beautiful, amazingly detailed statue I'd ever seen; it was of a beautiful kiamara, the exact same one as in my dream. I gazed at it in amazement, wondering what master had carved it- I would of thought it was a real kiamara if only her eyes weren't so blank and lifeless. I was quite surprised to see them like that, considering the amazing detail he had used to carve the rest of her features. I leaned in to see the detail more clearing and my paw slipped- I slammed right into the gorgeous statue! It rolled off the alcove quickly; breaking into large, jagged pieces on the floor. I gasped, horrified that I had broken such an amazing piece of art. I jumped onto the ground and padded over to the segment with the head still attached, and to my greater surprise watched as a pink mist swirled from the eyes and engulfed me in a large cloud. At first, I was absolutely terrified of the cloud of pink smoke. It began to seep in through my eyes, nose, and ears; but strangely, it began to become soothing and calming. I crumbled to the ground with a sigh, and all went black.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ As I realized what had happened, I tried to stand with no avail- my muscles were weak. As I lay there I noticed how different I felt; my mane seemed almost weightless, and I felt as if my shoulderblades had an attachment, if that made any sense. With great effort I swiveled my head and looked over my body to see what had happened.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ A blood curdling scream filled the room as I gazed in amazement at my mane, my wings?!... It made no sense to me how it had happened! Had it been the smoke? The statue, after it was broken? Or the entire room altogether?

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ Despite being quite afraid of the changes, I couldn't help admiring myself. It was clear that I was 'remodeled' to look like the kiamara in the statue. I looked for the statue on the floor around me, but I couldn't find it- where was that alcove, too? I was awfully perplexed. I tried to stand again, and this time I was able to rise shakily to my feet. Already I was getting used to the wings, which I began to bend and move. The extension of myself felt strange, eerie. My new mane floated crazily around myself, and glistened in the light. I laughed, suddenly feeling great joy. What a glorious gift of nature! I twirled around a bit, watching my hair as it twisted around me. The moment would of lasted forever, it seemed, if not the growling interruption of my stomach.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "Okay, okay." I growled back, sarcastically.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ Suddenly it occurred to me; how was I going to get out? My wings were much to large to let me leave through the small hole that I had entered through, so I was stuck. Wait; what about flying? I had wings, after all. I shook my head, no. I could barely flex them! As if to prove this I un-clamped them from my body and flapped them in an unseemly fashion. Sighing, I looked at the wall for a crack that I could hook onto with my nails and climb up. No crack was big enough, but still the thought of flight enticed me; I could atleast try! I began to beat my wings ferociously, hoping that I might be lifting from the ground in some feat of flight. Panting I stopped, accepting that it wasn't going to work. My stomach growled, as if urging my to try harder.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ I began to scrabble at the hole, trying to make it big enough for me and my wings to fit through. It clearly wasn't working, though, when a shower of dirt and dust fell on me. C'mon, what good are wings if I can't fly? Give me some natural talent along with them, goodness! I muttered, sitting down discouragingly. A small chirping made me look up, and I was greeting with the sight of a small finch perched on a root.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "What? Here to show off your flying skills?" I scowled at the bird, believing truthfully that I was never going to get out of that pit in the ground.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ The little finch cocked it's head, and I laughed.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "Maybe I was rude. I'm Quinn, little bird, though I doubt you would be able to understand me. Mind flapping those wings and showing my how it's done?"

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ I stopped and thought over what I had just said. Talking to a bird? Transforming into some goddess kiamara? Something's wrong with your head, Quinn! I chuckled slightly.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ To my surprise, the bird actually hopped over to me with a little flutter of it's wings. It pecked my paw, as if asking for attention, and flew onto the pedestal in the center of the room. Hopping off the edge, the finch spread it's wings and glided around me with a couple flaps of it's wings. I eyed it warily and jumped on the pedestal myself, knocking the precious scrolls of the table with little thought. I stretched my wings a bit and leaped into the table, swerving my tail wildly and swinging wildly in the air as the air held my weight steadily. Just as I thought I had gotten it- plop! I fell on the floor with a smack. Groaning, I sat up once again. The little finch persistently pecked at my paw again, urging me to keep trying.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "Fine, fine!" I sighed inwardly.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ It took multiple attempts before I could fly around the room, and even more to learn from the little bird to use my tail like the finch used it's tail feathers; like a rudder. This key discovery allowed me (finally) to steer, thank goodness! With a couple excited flaps of my wings I boosted up into the air and broke through the glass of the ceiling window, breathing air that I much preferred to the dank, moist air of the astronomy room. The glass shards, however, pierced my skin and my wings and I made a hasty crash landing, checking my wounds; nothing serious, thank goodness. I picked out some of the intruding glass fragments from my fur and began to walk, too exhausted to fly anymore. The tiny little finch perched on my back, and as I found my way back to the clearing of the dirt hole I smiled. It was nice to have a companion after the most terrifying day of my life.

~ end of past ~

[4kcuo]

ＰＲＥＳＥＮＴ
finished march 26th :D

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ I padded along, listening the the forest animals as I walked by. The day was fresh, beautiful; unlike the others I had experienced since 3 months ago, the day I had been lost. I recognized the lighter trilling of my finch companion, affectionately dubbed Caramel, as he flew over and rested on my snout. His tiny beady eyes looked at me with concern.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "Don't worry Carm, I'm fine." I whispered quietly. I had been awfully depressed lately and homesickness really had struck me.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ As the little bird kept looking at me, I muttered under my breath angrily. I flapped my wings and lifted myself onto the branch of a tree, climbing to the very top from there. The gorgeous view that lay before me was familiar; the forest that I had learned to call home. Despite the forest's grace and beauty, it's size was just another sad reminder that I would never be able to find my small village in the sea of trees. I sighed inwardly and leaped off the tree, letting my self fall aimlessly to the forest floor and spreading my wings at the last moment. I had mastered all I could with flying, with Caramel's instruction, but had learned that my wings were too weak to fly long distances. I could cope of course.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ I decided to go forage for berries. After Caramel became my closest companion, I couldn't bear the thought of eating any little animals, not to mention it may scare Carm away. I was happy with just fruits and my strict vegetarian diet, though, because I could barely hunt anyways. Once I had stuffed myself heartily, I lay to rest; I knew that nothing would attack me because of my size. As the sun began to set, Caramel settled down in her nest above. I fell asleep quickly, solemnly; the next day would be just as lonely as the next and the one after that. I had no idea why I would of been giving the gift of such beauty if all i could do with it was slowly die in this large forest. With this thought, a tear fell from my eye.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ I awoke to the forest being completely silent. The ground was quaking, and Caramel gone; I quickly stood on my feet and flew up to a tree's up most branch to see what was going on. I saw, to my surprise, a clearing; how did that appear there? I was certain it wasn't there the day before. However, I realized what the quaking was- humans, felling trees. I leaped from the tree and grabbed onto another, slowly leaping farther and farther away until I finally lept into the sky and glided in the opposite direction. Being sighted by humans would be a disaster, since they would probably skin me or keep me captive. I flew until I couldn't hear the rumbling or see the tree quaking below me, and glided to the ground.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ As I neared the ground, I realized that, though the quaking sound was gone, it had been replaced with another. The familiar sounds of kiamaras talking echoed in the forest. I swiveled my head, looking for the source of the talking, and spotted the kiamaras as they gathered in a clearing; one of them, a light brown one, seemed to be arguing with the others. I picked up little tidbits like 'path' and 'wings'. I padded over cautiously, unsure of what to do. A dark blue kiamara looked in my direction but didn't seem to see me. Once the argument cooled down I spoke softly to the group.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "Who are you and what are you doing here." I whispered, not really a question but more a warning.
⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "Hey! Who's there?" asked the light brown one, obviously startled. He spoke in a high-pitched voice that reminded me of a squirrel's chatter.
⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "Over here." the dark grey kia padded over in my direction, forcing me to fly upwards onto a high branch of the tree. I didn't want to give them any chance to spot me.
⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "Well, well, well. Looks like we found ourselves a beautiful, lost dame. Come down here darling." said the light brown kia, obviously luring me down for no decent reason. "We won't hurt you, promise." he whispered, almost convincingly.
⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ It was obvious they hadn't really seen me yet, just some black fur and my golden eyes. I glared at the male brown kiamara, and shook my head. "No." I said simply.
⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ The kiamara scowled. Turning around, he nodded to the others in his group. "Let's go, she obviously isn't coming down." he ordered to them. The few other kiamaras got up and followed the leader out of the clearing, into the darker woods.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ It was obvious what he was doing. I was set on proving that, even though it would be nice to talk to some normal kiamaras for a little bit, I wasn't going to fall for the abandonment trick. I waited until the last kiamara had vanished into the woods and leaped onto a different tree's branch, ready to set flight. As I lept into the sky, I heard shouts of alarm; no doubt the group had spotted me. I tried to gain as much altitude as I could, but it was no use; they could still see me. I dropped in the air quickly and sunk like a stone, slowing my rush to the forest floor with a couple flaps of my wings and landing softly. Even from that distance, I could still hear the other kiamaras approaching, so I ran as fast as I could in an attempt to lose them. As the sound of the group vanished behind me, they were replaced with the bustling sounds of a mass of kiamaras and people. I scrambled ungracefully up a tree trunk to get a better look.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ The sight was beautiful! It was a sprawling city, it's borders on the very edge of the forest. I couldn't believe I'd never spotted it before. As I took a closer look I saw why; despite it's size, it wasn't a city at all, but rather a large gathering of decorative tents that littered the forest floor. Tents of all sizes and colors covered the clearing, and I could see the kiamaras with their wares. As it turns out, I had stumbled upon a colony of merchants- all of whom had no doubt recently traded with the group that had preyed on me earlier. I shuddered, wondering if these merchants were any better than the ones before. Only one way to find out.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ I flew from my tree branch and alighted in the center of the 'city', disrupting a large bustling group of kiamaras. I waved my wings frantically, trying to get room, as the crowd frantically scurried to get out of my way. Shouts of surprise and gasps from the crowd filled the air, and as the people finally organized themselves an awkward silence filled the clearing as people stared at me and my open wings. I cleared my throat, trying to draw their attention to what I was saying.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "Hello, umm, merchants and others who gather here. I arrived here today to ask for directions?" I asked, blushing as people muttered. Drama queen, just has to make a huge scene to ask for freaking directions! I couldn't blame them, of course, since I had landed in the middle of the most highly populated area in the camp. An elderly man stepped forward, and coughed before preparing to speak.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "The nearest city from here is to the west, about a week on caravan, but, err...." he paused, eyeing my wings. "We haven't experimented with flight options yet." he finished.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ I nodded thanks. "Of course, thank you." I turned to leave, when a little child padded up to me.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ The little girl looked at me curiously. "Madame, are you a goddess?" she asked shyly, forcing her mother to protectively pull her back.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "Sorry about that." said the mother, embarrassed. She smiled shyly and scolded her child, withdrawing into the crowd of people. I laughed and approached the child.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "No dear, I'm not a goddess! I'm equal to you all. Small tweaks in luck and fate led me to be this way, for I was not born like this. It would be foolish to worship based on looks." I replied, the words coming from my mouth sounding strange to myself.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ The little girl nodded before being swallowed by the crowd. I turned to face another kiamara, about my mother's age, as she called for my attention with a cough. "Yes, m'dame?" I asked shyly.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ The lady eyed me. "Of course you aren't a goddess. I mean, everyday we see a winged kiamara with gorgeous locks like your own! Do not lie to us, my lady. It is unbecoming of someone of your rank and stature." she "har-umphh!'d" and padded closer, looking me in the eye. "I mean, surely you are either a mixture of the two royal families or some foreign queen! Either that or some sort of demigod, if not a pure goddess." she finished, and signaled with her tail for me to follow. "Come, Mistress. We are heading for the great Western City at this moment anyways, so you may come with us."

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ I followed the lady warily, into many weeks the traveler's world of uncooked food and rushed travel.

~ end of present ~

[4kcuo]

ＦＵＴＵＲＥ
finished april 29th :'D

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯I had been traveling with the merchants for about 2 weeks now. Despite how they lived, with meager dinners and harsh words, I was happy for a little bit. My mother had always told me to appreciate all the folk around here, because they choose how they live for a reason. “The walrus chose to make his house the arctic because he was suited for it, no matter how inhospitable it is to us kiamaras.” She would tell me everytime I asked about other kiamaras. Despite what she had said I had always hoped to see the grand city one day, in the west. Being so close to completing my dream, no matter everything that had already happened, made me feel giddy and childish. I swear my reaction to learning that we were arriving soon was priceless, because the stern lady (who I later found out to by Mrs. Flora) had laughed once she saw my face. For now though, she said, we still have a day’s journey to reach the city. I sighed inwardly, wishing we were already there.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯By the next morning, however, the entire camp seemed to shake with excitement. A lot of the young children had never been to the great Western City, and would tug at their parent’s tail with eagerness to continue. I watched over the camp as they packed up, me having no belongings therefore anything to pack up. I glided to the forest floor from my tree perch, over to where Mrs. Flora was packing; she was having trouble getting one of her cooking pans tied to the top of the cart. I snatched it from her hand, and, while hovering over the top of the wagon, tied it on. This must of attracted a crowd of people, because afterwards I got many yells and shouts for help packing up items.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯Once everyone was packed, I began to walk with the steady flow of caravans as they started to leave. I soon was one with the rhythmic clopping of horse’s hooves and the jingle of coin it the trader’s purse. Every moving day passed like this, quiet and slow, making the entire colony of merchants seem to be some forest mirage or a collection of odd and silent ghosts. I, of course, had grown accustomed to this over the weeks and easily fell into place among the caravans. One of the little children, a tiny girl too young to walk the entire journey, was sitting in the little niche between my wings; I became extremely protective of the little girl, watching my paw steps. I was deeply engrossed in my footing when a little paw nudged my shoulder.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯“Misses?” the tiny girl whispered in my ear, curiously. “Can you actually fly?” she asked.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯I smiled. “Yes, dear.” I replied, flapping my wings softly for effect. The girl laughed a light happy sound that filled the clearing. Some of the other kiamaras looked at us strangely, while others ignored it. I covered the girl from their glares protectively.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯“Could you take me flying, misses?” she asked softly, and I stopped walking. Are my wings strong enough? I asked myself. Considering all those days back in the forest I came from, carrying bags of fruit to my ‘nest’, I decided that I could.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯“Go ask your mother, dear.” I replied, and crouched so that she could jump off my back. The girl scrambled over to one of the smaller caravans and said something to a young, pretty lady. The lady glanced at me and back at the girl, then nodded yes. She jumped from the caravan and padded over to me.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯“I trust you can carry my girl, Mistress?” says the lady. She handed me a large piece of white cloth. “Tie her in a sling around your chest, my lady, so that she doesn’t fall.” She instructed, winding the cloth around my chest and expertly knotting it. Then she scooped up her daughter and put her in the sling. I adjusted the girl a bit, and then flapped my wings a bit. I could carry the weight. Jumping into the air, the little girl let out a shrill shout and laughed once again, this time forcing the camp to look upwards to the sky. I glided over the camp, but was unable to get very high; my wings were definitely not strong enough to go long distances, especially with the little girl strapped to my chest. I let the wind do the work for a bit, until I could see the city climbing up to the sky; I gasped, it’s silver skyscrapers reaching a height that I could not comprehend.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯“Look Miss, look! It’s the city!” cried out the little girl, whose name I remembered as Faith; she was grinning happily, tightly bound to me. I nudged her with my snout, adjusting her position.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯“Let’s go down and tell everybody we’re close.” I told her, doing a steady nosedive to the forest floor. Already I could see the city through gaps in the trees, dark wooden walls encompassing the gorgeous silver city. Faith hopped out of my sling and over to her mother, talking excitedly while walking alongside the caravan. Her mother smiled, unable to say anything through the rush of words, looked at my gratefully. Did I just save her from an entire day of this?

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯I padded over to Faith’s mother as they approached in the caravan.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯“Miss, what is your name?” I asked the lady. The lady stuttered while replying.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯“I’m Keanu Laurence, Mistress.” She replied quickly. I smiled encouragingly.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯“Well then Mrs. Laurence, I wish you luck in the city while trading your wares, and a safe return trip.” I said to her, though she shook her head even as I said it.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯“Lady, I am not going to trade. My husband is actually there and recently returned from a business trip. We are going to meet him, and live in the city.” She said, her voice obviously excited.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯“How wonderful! Well, I hope you return to your husband in good health.” I told her, and swiftly turned around and burst into the air. The lady watched me as I flew up into the sky, smiling. I glided over the last stretch of woods, bursting into the wide area where the city lay. The gates, the only way to get in on foot, where open; not wanting to be an illegal citizen in the city where I was going to make my home, I swooped down to the floor and walked up to the guards. They stared at me in disbelief. Tired of receiving this reaction from others, I cleared my throat.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯“Hello. I’d like to become a citizen?” I asked the guards smoothly, trying to get their attention. They had already seen my wings, so I made no effort to hide them. Instead of getting out the membership form as they did with other kiamaras, the positioned themselves behind me and nudged me forward. The two guards motioned for me to follow them into their office. I let them lead me through their office and down a long, blank corridor fashioned from pure concrete. After a couple minutes of walking down the hallway we made a right turn and the corridor opened up into a gorgeous garden, full of daffodils, roses, and many exotic flowers. Small tufts of angel’s breath sprouted between the cobblestones of the path. We trotted hurriedly through the garden and through two large oaken doors and into an incredibly large silver castle, where they instructed me to sit in a cushioned chair.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯“The Queen requests an audience with you.” Said the guard curtly after reading a small note that had been tied around a cardinal’s neck. The bird had flown in through a window moments before and had perched on the guards shoulder, a painful reminder of Carm. I nodded acknowledgement to the guard and stood, ready to meet her. I let the guards lead me down yet another hallway, this one being much more extravagant than the last. A beautiful marble-tiled floor made my nails click with each step, and gorgeous stained glass windows let in the light. Each window depicted a scene of the Queen's rule, from when she pulled the kingdom from poverty from way back when she banished the original king from the throne. Whoever had made them, obviously, had been a master of great skill.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ The guard and I reached two large oak doors at the end of the hall. Knocking on the door, he called out to the queen.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "The kiamara is here, your Majesty." the guard stepped back to let pass.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯I entered through the large doors, and looked up at the queen herself. She was plain; grey, white, and flecked with black. Elaborate silver and gold jewelry was strung over her delicate features. Her fur seemed like silk, even from a distance, and her dark purple eyes shown from beneath her slightly defined brow. I couldn't believe that she had retained her beauty at such an elderly age. The queen stepped from her throne, and it seemed as if my startling appearance had no effect on her.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ I awaited the queen to speak to me. At first she ignored me, sending a few cautious glances my way. However, she soon approached me.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "I have heard, from many traders passing into the kingdom, of a kiamara such as you. 'Galactic hair, and wings to fly with!' they'd babble on about you, as if you had blessed them. Now, I see that you may have." she looked my down, studying me. I stood still, straight; not wanting to move, or disrupt her slight speech. I was silent at first, but her steadfast look urged me to speak.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "Your Majesty, why have you called me?" I wondered aloud. She looked taken aback, but I was certain that I hadn't insulted her. She cleared her throat, preparing to speak.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "Already, by simply appearing in front of a small group of merchants, people in my kingdom have began to believe you to be a goddess of the night sky. This leads people to think you have a counterpart; however, I have been unable to find a kiamara such as you anywhere, so I have come to the conclusion you are alone." she seemed to corner me with her words, as if accusing me for being born. I thought for a moment, then spoke.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "Great Queen, I am no goddess. A trick of luck simply led me to be this way. I deserve no followers." I replied, hoping she was not angry with the popularity I had recently gained. It would be a disaster to have the most powerful kiamara in all the lands to despise me, especially if I rivaled her power in the least. I awaited her reply.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "Is that so? Well, no matter what I say to the citizens they refuse to believe it. Therefore the only way I can regain the trust of my people is to follow this charade you've been leading." she replied, and I realized her dagger-like glare was pin-pointed at me, and not just my beauty. How dare I come into her kingdom, rival her power! It was blasphemy, and I felt guilty for making her go to such measures as following me in order to protect her position at the throne.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "What do you propose to do then, your Majesty?" I asked, trying to be polite. The Queen seemed slightly annoyed with my question.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "I expect you to respect me, and to lessen your damage on my kingdom. Being an unnecessary blemish in my city, I must mold you into the workings. Since many citizens already believe you to be a goddess of the heavens, I would suggest that you study up on your astronomy. I have commanded many of my workers to construct you a temple, decorated with carvings of the sun and moon. You shall live there, or at least visit regularly." she was in front of me, However, you shall repay me for my kindness by supporting me and telling others to as well. Hopefully you can create an equally large impact on my population as my advisers, but otherwise I advise staying low." she rattled on, explaining the course of the life in the future. I reluctantly found that she was being reasonable- a goddess would upset her power as queen indefinitely.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "Of course, my Queen. What would you like me to be doing in the meantime?" I asked, feeling as if I was just a pawn in the game of chess. The Queen stopped pacing and looked at me, her face not believing that I had just asked her such a question.

⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ "Get out there and publicize yourself!" she exclaimed, nearly pushing me out the door. We laughed together, but she quickly resumed a stiff and tactical stance. I sighed, watched the doors close behind me. Right when she seemed to be a lovely person. I said to myself, and padded down the hall- my nails going click, clack, click clack.

the end.