the risk it takes to blossom; fennick, hestia + any

[Anguisette]

I give Fennick a solemn look before turning my eyes to the flames that surround him. Without a moment of hesitation I step forward and through the fire to join the tall stallion. The Valley has trees. That is the first thing I notice, although the trees here are much different than the fat kapok and overgrown vines. They tower above a rocky plain with copses of trees to hide in. I feel a bit exposed here, with the mountains in the distance looking down on me. “Has your daughter been born?” I ask, my voice even. The child, after all, is reportedly most of the reason I am here. If I were less homesick I would be flattered that the stallion had seen me as someone worthy enough to influence his daughter. As it is, the light of approval in my mother's eyes and my love for the jungle are all that keep me from adding venom to my words. I barely recognize myself, this princess of stone and ice. Curiosity suddenly wins out over my assumed coldness and with a bright look I venture a question, my voice filled with admiration. “What you did before, turning into the jungle cat... how did you do it?” I smile a very small, merry smile. “You had the image right but you didn't act like any jungle cat I'd ever seen. You were a little clumsy.” Whereas a real cat, of course, is never less than light on their feet. Still the transformation had been one of the coolest thing I had ever seen and I am not ashamed to admit it. A thought occurs to me and I add with a blush and slight dip of my head, “I admit that I do not know who currently rules the Valley. Would you tell me, please? I wouldn't want to be unprepared when I meet your monarch.” Anguisette the changeling jungle princess