[open] it just keeps me from trouble

[Malik]

Completing the transformation takes longer than I’d intended, and I struggle with correcting the size. Cyrus hears me, that I can tell from the way he glances around the dark forest, voicing my name aloud.

Focus.

I breathe deeply, or at least try to. By the third attempt I succeed, and by the fourth I have returned to my original shape.

It is not the wolf that Cyrus had first seen, but instead is the form of a horned horse. I remain wearing it, not trusting myself to shift again after that mishap, and look down at Cyrus. I am sure there is concern on my face, and no small amount of fear.

I attempt a smile, and though I know it is small, even the action helps to reassure me, and I say with a weak laugh: “I think I’m gonna stick to this form for a while.”

@Cyrus

[Cyrus]

My orange eyes remain vigilante, straining to see in the dark cloak of the forest.  Had I been in the presence of a spirit this entire time?  

Soon my question is answered as a form morphs before me.  It is not that of the wolf, or the jungle cat, but of an equine that I had seen in a quick shift earlier.  The dark being is hard to see in the shadows of the night, but my predator eyes pick up enough of the outline to know it is indeed Malik in horse form.  My head tilts in curiosity as he laughs lightly of his predicament.

I have never shifted into my other form, having been born a wolf, I have forever remained a wolf.  Never seeing a need to be anything other than I was.  The way Malik shifts though makes me feel as though it isn't as fluent for him as others I have witnessed.  Nevertheless, I smile and nod.  "Very well then," I was accustomed to being a lone hunter so it wouldn't affect my ability to survive.

My attention shifts as a single call echoes within the confines of the thick woods.  A call I know all too well as it is a song sung in my native tongue.  My ears perk forwards, my tail being erect and still.  I listen for more calls and soon they come.  A chorus of howls fill the air, of hunting pitches as the feral wolves begin to locate one another and form a hunting party.  With flattening ears I look to Malik, "Run!"  My tone is thick with warning as I remain focused in one direction, the direction in which they were coming from...

Cyrus

@ Malik Thought I'd post an out to this thread since I need to closet Cyrus for my upcoming babies! : )