[i]"So you have no name."[/i]

The young one's voice trailed off in disappointment, but the beast in all of its divine, animal glory seemed to take no further heed of this. It was but fact and fact enough that it had no need for a mortal name, its title and implications derived thereof were all it needed to convince those who came to witness it what it was. There were few other myths it could be mistaken for - fewer other predators or prey of the land that wielded the will of divine nature as easily as it wielded its senses.

[i]"It will be difficult for me to address you if you do not have a name, Sir..."[/i]

Great mane and head alike nodded in gentle reply under the moonlit night, aware that the girl could "see" it despite being robbed of her sight. She continued on a breath later, [i]"May I call you Heru? In the Solar Woods it means lord."[/i]

[i]"So long as you recall that 'Heru' is a title and not a name, you may call me by it."[/i] The large jaws parted, speaking these words to her with as much firmness as a father speaking to a child. It was not out of lack of compassion, not in the slightest, but it was clear the sovereign beast took itself most seriously for it was indeed a living lord; a noble line of a noble realm and commanded that respect.

Watching her clasped hands, filled with excitement and joy that she was permitted to address the wild paragon in her own way, the golden eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Her innocence and pleasure at this, even in the threat of darkness, was some hope. Hope that the powerful animal mystic would need more of, namely in the days to come and from the hearts of many, many men, both those weak and those strong. She, Sabriye as she called herself, continued her inquiry, to which the feline figure drew up a paw; a silence to her questions as he gently interrupted her.

[i]"Settle." [/i]

The paw set itself back to the impression it left among the softness of the forest's floor; the freshness of the night's air was still and silent, as though it too had been commanded.

[i]"The heart of the darkness is where we need journey, but it is no matter handled swiftly..."[/i] The neck of the powerful feline figure turned, looking into the depths of the forest, seeing out the direction they would need travel for quite some time. [i]"You are young and bold, small one... but this endeavor will test you in ways even I do not know..."[/i]

[@Ojo chan 42]