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Walking tall, well, as tall a she could, staff in paw, the mouse made her way up to the familiar gnarled tree looming against the horizon. It had been over a week since she'd made the journey, and while she had told him about the gazelle, she expected he'd be wondering why she'd been away so long--well, she had mentioned the gazelle to him. She'd purposefully come early, and so she waited a while, nibbling a berry. The territory around the owl's tree was rich with nuts and berries, all unpicked. As the sun began to dip beneath the horizon, she'd call out, "Mr. Morathi?. . .I hope I've come at a good time. . . Quite a lot has happened since our last meetin, and I'm eager to talk."

High above, the tree's resident would stir. Not because of the greeting, but, more-so naturally: It was morning after all, if at least from his prospective. And so, he'd already have woken before the mouse beckoned. "Hmm? . . ." Early visitors wern't common to the eagle owl, which easily stood double, if not triple, the size of all others owls near. In-fact, as evident by the unpicked bounty of plant-life, he did not get visitors at all: That is, except for one. "Lichthia. . ." The owl cackled low, his voice carrying out from the tree's hallowed knot. The first few times, had been unexpected. A mouse knowingly approaching his lair of her own will. . . and with excitement? Impossible, that's what he'd have suspected. But now? It was both expected and. . . anticipated.

There would be the sound of large talons, pressing firm against bark: Deadly razor claws which tear flesh and claim bodies. His towering form lumbered out from the darkness, carrying with it two yellowed eyes which would glow with great intensity: A keen, inescapable sight which could spy the slightest of movement from miles. Roosting upon a branch, he'd raise himself, poised. . . postured, a grin forming upon his mouth: A wicked beak to pierce and consume. "Good evening. Lichthia. . ." His words, which could invoke terror at their utterance. . . would be spoken which no such intent: Not that he could manage it with this one. "If the time were bad. You wouldn't have any. Not enough to ask." He'd cackle as before, suggesting his words to be a twisted joke. The owl had grown to like their 'talks': The mouse rarely ceased to interest him. For her to be 'eager', brought an eagerness in himself. Morathi briefly lost his poise, before leaning back and straightening. "Has there?" he'd question, feigning indifference. "Then. Let us. . . discuss." Head would crane down with a smirk, "I suspect. You'll want retrieved?"

Lichthia would bow her head respectfully. "if you would be so gracious," she'd reply. "I could climb," she'd add, "but our time for talking is both limited and precious." The mouse would grin. "Sides. . .I've missed being able to fly."

At her request, the eagle-owl would stretch forth his wings: The wide span being more than double his own length. He'd keep his avian grin, and lurch forward and back lightly in a 'returned bow'. "I suppose. . ." he'd begin to bend his legs, in preparation. "It can't be helped." Morathi pressed strong off the old branch, causing it to shake in his departure: It could be thought a wonder, to why it hadn't yet snapped. With a few mighty flaps, he'd be air-born, gliding outward toward the setting sun. Simply thrusting himself off from the tree and down upon the mouse. . . while efficient, would likely crush her. To ensure the mouse's safety, he had to pluck her from admits a glide. It was possible for him to reach the ground first, then take the mouse in his claws, then fly back up: It just wasn't nearly as dignifying.

Morathi continued to soar, soon disappearing among a cluster of trees, before circling back. "ooh-hooo. . ." his bellowing voice would carry out across the forest, as he honed upon his target. Satisfied with timing, the large wings turned downward as he committed himself to the strike.

While she wasn't quite as playful as the first time Mroathi carried her, the mouse still felt a thrill as the owl descended. She'd already made sure she was in the open and easily approached. Now she'd turn her back, lifting her arms and carrying her staff before her, to make it easier to pick her up. She certainly approved of his method; coming to the ground to pick her up would have been less dignified for him, and less fun for her.

He'd fall fast, nearer and nearer. Then. . . "OOH-HOOO!" The owl's body would pivot from the wings, which now angled to be vertical. His talons thrusted forward, and took hold. Seconds before pressing the mouse into the ground (and by effect, pressing her into his claws), his wings turned and flapped as before, raising them both higher. He'd then flap steadily, slowly gaining altitude and gliding against the wind.

The last time Morathi had 'retrieved' Lichthia, he didn't anticipate the mouse to feel. . . quite so substantial within his talons, and couldn't help but lightly feel against her. This time, the owl would force himself to repress such urges. . . however difficult that proved to be. As with most things, discussion, words, seemed to occupy his mind enough. "A mouse who enjoys flight. In these claws? You would be the first." he'd comment as they glided, soon turning and aiming now to the abandoned branch. The owl would land with one talon, quickly grasping the mouse fully in the other. When he came to a stop, he would very carefully release his catch against the oak. Morathi would then step back, and loom over with poorly masked interest.

The mouse would have a wide grin on her face as she was set down and she pushed herself to her feet. "Most mice who fly in those claws meet up with a sadder ending than an engaging conversation when they land," she'd answer merrily, pushing herself up, dusting herself off, and making her way inside the darkened nest.

"Sad?" He'd comment with a grin. "Not preferred to discussion. But an enjoyable ending. . . To me." Morathi gave a 'good humored' laugh, "Ooh-hoo-hoo. . ." He'd then trudge slowly behind the little mouse, entering into his lair, contently shrouding himself in its darkness. "I suspect. They did not agree." he'd add, still a cackle to his voice.

The mouse kneeled and smiled. By now the owl's sadistic banter didn't bother her at all, if anything she found it amusing. "S'been a while since m'last visit," she began, stating the obvious. "Jaabir did catch that gazelle I told y'about." Her smile softened as she spoke. "And while I was very glad to spend so long with him, I have missed our conversations." She'd smile, looking up. "I would have come by maybe two days ago, only. . . " She paused while she thought of the best way to put it. "Well,I was interupted on the way to m'burrow from Jaabirs." She grinned. "There were complications."

Morathi would make himself comfortable, standing near a great pile of bone and fur. He'd peer down, yellowed eyes glowing with interest. "Quite." he'd comment plainly with a grin, when the mouse brought to light just how long it had been. The owl had already suspected the reason for delay to be either the python taking down the mentioned deer, or. . . death. While Morathi didn't initially expect the python to achieve his goals, he had doubted still, that the mouse met her end: Her confirmation, was not surprising. What he did not expect, however, were additional factors. His eyes would raise, and he'd lurch himself forward. An 'interruption' to a mouse, would most likely spell any of the numerous species which hunted mice. And. . . the result of that? Well, commonly, either the mouse escapes through running or is captured and promptly devoured. In Lichthia's case, the possibility existed to crippled her persuader enough for her to walk. Morathi did not see how any of those could result in delay: That is, aside from being devoured, which he'd rule out. "Complications?" he'd question, curious.

The mouse smiled and nodded, twisting her paws around her staff, thinking for a moment how she should tell the owl about the events. "I got caught on m'way home in the rain couple nights ago," she began, "when I became aware there was someone followin me." She pursed her lips, leaning forward. "Wasn't sure what it was, but I could only think of one reason why someone might follow a mouse in the rain without showin themselves. So I called out a warnin. . ." She glanced up at the owl. "I didn't tell 'em about Jaabir. . . I figured if they didn't already know I was friends with a python, they'd just think I was insane. So, I just firmly suggested to 'em they'd end up happier if they went after easier prey." She paused, looking forward, furrowing her brow. "I figured if they were sensible, they might avoid a mouse carryin a stick who sounded suspiciously confident. . . . Might figure the meal wasn't worth the chance of injury, specially in the rain." She gave a wry smile. "Didn't work. . ."

There would be a subtle nod at the mention of 'rain' from the owl. Though he was not awake at the time, he saw the effects: Small mammals with flooded burrows, out in the dark when they would not be otherwise. Morathi smiled internally, that was a good night. Pleasant thoughts of massacring the unaware would be put on hold, listening instead to the mouse's words. An encounter with a stalker, that raised his interest quite noticeably. He'd consider what her pursuer might have been, and her initial methods. "Perhaps." he'd reply, forming a renewed grin, "I might have taken it as a challenge." The owl would turn his head to the exit, peering out, "And the weak. . . would ignore in desperation." There would be a short pause as he considered, "The rain too can cloud judgement." His head turned with focused eyes. "And vision." A wide grin began to form, "I suspect. They were surprised?"

The mouse smiled and shook her head. "Not half so surprised as when they tried to pred me." She shook her head. "When I realized they were still stalking me, I lead 'em to a place where I knew the direction they'd have to come for me, lead out a squeal, and sure enough, they came right for me." She shook her head, smiling. Poor Tarik. "Was a rat. A lone buck. He was tryin t'be all scary, snarlin and leapin for me, stickin his head out, didn't even try t'defend himself." The mouse gave a shrug, and looked down. "So, next thing I know, I'm standin in the pourin rain with a rat, out cold, at m'feet."

Morathi had been teaching this mouse, making her stronger. And so. . . he had been awaiting implications. Leading her purserer, drawing them in with a 'cry', it was undoubtly a precursor to an attack. The great eagle owl just continued to grin. And then. . . "Ooh-hoo-hoo" he'd give a long cackle. The owl shook his head, looking more than pleased. "One strike?" His efforts with this mouse already felt rewarding. She incapacitated a rat. And maybe worse? He'd lean in further. "How great was the wound? Was it fatal?" He'd bear no mask to his excitement.

The mouse chuckled softly. "Nah, wasn't fatal. Was a nasty bump though. I bandaged him up. Then I tied him up. Then I carried him home." She'd pause a moment, before adding, "Jaabir's nest of course. . .wasn't carryin a pred t'm'home with Jack."

Morathi frowned. Not only did the blow not kill the rat, she. . . applied aid to the wound. Though disappointed, the frown wouldn't last. Tying up her victim, it helped. And. . . to the snake's nest? His grin returned. If the mouse was on way from leaving the serpent, it was because the serpent was hungry. Perhaps he judged her too quickly. "You. . . fed him to the snake?" he'd question with a cackle, and a long wicked grin. It made sense that she was delayed. She didn't need to leave Jaabir if he had just eaten again. She most likely just came tonight to share the story, before returning back. But why keep the rat alive, why tend the wounds? Maybe she thought the snake would enjoy him better in such a state? It was a sentiment even Morathi could approve of.

"I offered him t'Jaabir," the mouse replied. "S'not somethin I generally do. Like I told you, I try to be neutral. I don't generally help Jaabir catch prey, and I don't help prey avoid him." She gave a small shrug of her shoulders. "But I figure if some rat tries t'make a meal of me, specially after I give 'em fair warnin, they lose the benefit of my neutrality." She shook her head and smiled. "At first when he came round, I didn't tell him where we were goin. Poor fellow was terrified when he realized where I was takin him."

Morathi could scarcely hear the mouses own words above his own musings. Maybe now, he considered, she would go out and attack others, forcing them into the abyss of the snake in droves. They would probably squeal out in mercy all the while, pleading the mouse to be set free. His head raised, ears picking up 'neutral'. He became reminded of the mouse's position on these maters, or at least, her belief of such. It didn't seems his thoughts would come to pass, but the owl wasn't exactly 'disappointed': Just the irony of all this was pleasing enough. "He woke?" The owl would give another cackle. A twisted smile formed, with narrowing eyes. "Did he beg?" There would be a pause, as he anticipated the answer, "I take it, you did not give in?"

The mouse smiled and shook her head. Morathi's eagerness surprised her. She guessed he wouldn't be happy with the way the story turned out. "I don't believe I've ever seen anyone so terrified," she answered, just a touch guiltily. "Funny thing was, I was tryin not t'scare him. I didn't tell him who Jaabir was at first, let him think he was my mate." The mouse sighed. "But the result was, by the time I actually pulled him into the nest, and he figured it out, he was out of his mind." The mouse shook her head. "I doubt I could have scared him worse if I tried to."

"He was unsuspecting?" the owl would question, still looking considerably pleased. "Did he. . ." , there would come a cackle, "think you were helping him?" The owl considered what that moment most of been like, the assured and calm rat in sudden realization he was to face his end. The deception, easing the rats mind until he entered. . . Morathi considered applying to his own hunts. Casting a glance at the small doe from his towering visage, he reasoned concealing his own intentions would be. . . more difficult.

He'd give a laugh at thoughts of the rats screams, pleads of mercy to the very one he sought to kill. "Rats. . ." Morathi casted a glance to the side of his bone pile, with a certain bitterness. His eyes locked to a spot in the tree's bark that had recently been gnawed through. "can be desperate." He'd look back, grinning. "Tell me. What did. . . this one try?"

The mouse would look thoughtful at that. "Considering the circumstances, he was surprisingly level headed," she answered, "though I did not appreciate it at the time." She looked up. "He asked me about my first encounter with Jaabir, and I told him all about it, how I thought Jaabir was impressed with me, cause I did not beg for my life. . . .well, only a little. And how instead I asked for a few extra days of life for he took me, in return for me acceptin m'fate." She tilted her head. "Jaabir may not be as scary as you, but he's still pretty terrifyin, specially if you're a rat, all tied up, and he's mad at you for goin after his mouse. But, Tarik, thats his name by the way, managed to do it."

The owl would snort, the rat had clearly been trying to find out how the mouse survived. . . so he could do the same. Morathi considered to himself, if perhaps the advice Lichthia gave, was done to further deceive the rat. . . or at the least urge him into being silent. However, recalling what the mouse had explained before. . . it was truth. And yet, did it even mater? The python seemed. . . 'attached' to this mouse, to the point of violence should he find her threatened. The owl grinned. "Jaabir. . . was not pleased?" Not only did the mouse take the rat to a hungry python. . . but to one who would be enraged. Morathi would pause for a moment, blinking some. "Managed? . . . To not beg?" he'd consider the mouse's advice. "I imagine. . . " he'd cackle, "it did not work."

The mouse shook her head at that. "It didn't exactly work. . .but it did slow things down," she answered. "Jaabir actually considered it." She shrugged. "I told Jaabir I didn't think it'd be a good idea. I didn't think he could be trusted to keep his word, and I didn't think it was even doin him a favor, he hadn't accepted his fate the way I had when he caught me. So he'd just be givin him three days full of fear." The mouse sighed, looking forward. "But I did suggest, there was something he could do for us." She'd look up at the owl. "Tariks an outcast y'see. So I suggested, if Jaabir wanted to, he could allow Tarik to go, and we could help him return to his colony, in return for him doin us a favor."

Morathi raised an eye. "Considered?" That was unexpected. He was anticipating the snake to mercilessly crush the rodent in anger, not be calm enough to. . . reason. There would come a small frown, the owl suspecting that the snake agreed. That. . . would make sense with the delay, the python giving the rat a few days time before consumption: It was an illogical concept, thought the owl, but it made sense in context.

The owl would quickly raise an eye, grin returning: He'd laugh. The mouse deterred the snake. Morathi considered the reasons she gave the python to not extend his life, that the creature would be forced to endure three days of terror: To the owl, it actually seemed like sound reasoning to grant the request.

He'd peer down then. She urged the snake to let the rat. . . live? The frown returned. Why would she suggest such a thing? Maybe. . . there was good reason. "A favor? . . ." His grin returned, wider than before. He'd cackle. "To. . . lead Jaabir? Lure out. . . the others?"

The mouse smiled and shook her head. "S'not actually what I had in mind, but Tarik drew the same conclusion as you. He told us he'd rather die than betray his kin." The mouse glanced down. "Not sure he realized it at the time, but he may have saved his life right there. Jaabir has a soft spot for those he considers 'selfless'." The mouse looked up again. "No, I actually had something considerably more complicated, and to my mind at least, more interestin in mind." She'd pause a moment. "I suggested t'Jaabir, he could spread rumors about me mong his kin."

Morathi slowed his laughter. Eyes blinking. Face beginning to loose its smirk. "Save his life? . . ." The owl wouldn't immediately grow disappointed, but was clearly showing signs. He was very much hoping to hear of the rat's demise, finding greater humor in it. And. . . based on her words, that did not seem to be the case. "He lived? . . ." the the owl would question directly, clearing his throat with 'indifference'. Hearing that her plan was 'more interesting' than brutal death seemed to help: Though he had his doubts. There would be a pause, the idea distracting Morathi into thought. "What. . . rumors?"

The mouse smiled a little shyly and figited with her staff. "We're still workin out the details," she said softly. "But along the lines of, he met a mouse who carries a stick, and if any huntin parties should come across her, they'd best leave her alone. She lives with a python, that'd taek revenge if anything were ever to happen to her." She'd look up at Morathi. "Might even mention she's been known to chat with an owl, if you have no objection." She'd look down, not meeting the owl's eyes, almost as though she were concealing something, and shrug. "Just whatever it takes, so i don't have t'deal with any rats givin me trouble."

Ever dignified, the owl would keep his back straight, raising himself high. "I see." He'd pause and think to credit, "clever". Even claiming the mouse's plan as 'clever', he couldn't exactly find it preferable to options involving gratuitous amounts of violence. Still he wasn't angry, or. . . 'unhappy'. After all, the mouse did incapacitate a rat with a single strike. . . and carried him in what she origionally thought to be his demise: It was a good start, and certainly much more than he would have seen possible in any other mouse. He'd peer down, calm, eyes searching. "No objections." He'd laugh, with a light smirk. "But I doubt. . . this favor is necessary." He'd pause and lean himself forward, yellowed eyes peering down to the staff. "You have protection." The grin grew, "And did you not enjoy. . . putting it to use?"

The mouse didn't answer immediately, but stared downwards, fiddling iwth the staff in her paw. "To be quite honest. . ." she finally answered, softly, ". . .and this is somethin I'd only admit to you. . ." She'd look upwards. "I found it to be disappointin!"

The owl leaned in nearer as her voice grew quiet. And quickly moved himself back at the frustrated squeak. "Disappointing?" he'd question, uncertainty in his voice as he pondered the meaning. The owl would soon smirk, "You felled him. Why. . . disappointed?"

The mouse looked up sheepishl and nodded. "I thought he was gonna be a challenge!" she answered. "I was gettin alll excited. . .. there was somethinout there and I didn't know it was.I was expectin. . . a canine, or a feline or somethin." The mouse sighed, smiling ruefully. " Fellow lead with his head, I couldn't have missed if I tried.".

Morathi laughed low "With one blow, you nearly killed him." He'd quiet himself and peer outward to the nest's entrance. "Of your colony. How many felled a rat, even one so. . . weak?" There would be a pause, as the owl's eyes focused into the distance. "You are getting stronger." He'd peer back, lurching himself and looking her over. "It is only now, 'you could not miss'. Youmay have missed, weeks before." Morathi gave a smirk, "As I told you. . . if you can face me, there are none you may not. Challenges. . . will grow scarce, in time."

The mouse stroked her staff thoughtfully. "Challenges growin scarce'd be good," she said softly. Leaning forward, she'd add, "Yeah there's a part of me that's just itchin for a huntin party of rats t'try t'take me, jus t'see what I could do. . ." She'd shake her head slowly. ". . .but that's not the part of me I want in control." She'd look up. "I get plenty challenge with you, n'with Jaabir, n'with. . .. well. . .. others." She'd sigh. "But if Tarik can make it so I don't even have t'use m'skills, that is a good thing!" She'd look downwards "Doesn't matter how good I get, I'll still be a mouse. . ." She'd take a breath. ". . .and it doesn't matter how good anyone gets, y'can always get unlucky." Peering forward she'd add, "There are too many folk dependin on me for me to take unnecessary chances."

Though his grin had faded, the owl continued to watch, study. He himself, had interest in witnessing her. . . capabilities. He'd raise an eye, as she spoke of 'control'. Morathi had preference she let those desires lead her, as he. He would stay silent as she spoke, however, hearing her 'contented' with not making full use of her ability. . . it was unpleasing to him. Part of the reason he was teaching her. . . was to hear the results! Still, he'd remind himself that progress had been made. In many ways it was amusing enough that she had carried a rat of to their. . . almost certain death. He'd peer down, and return his grin, "I suppose to be without. . . risk, you would need a body as mine." The owl cackled lightly at the thought, "And you do. The body of an owl. . ." He'd frown briefly, ". . .and a python." His grin returned as he continued, "Rumors. . . may help. Through that fear, you would be avoided by most. You have your staff for all others."

He pause, and look to be in thought. "And its possible to test yourself. . . on others, without risk." The owl would look back, "Should you wish to. . ."

The mouse would glance up. "Without risk?" Her face would spread into a wry smile. "Where's the fun in that?" She'd shake her head. "Y'mean I could go out, get some pred t'come after me, and if it doesn't work out I can call out. .. " She'd shift into a faux whimpering voice, "Mmm. ..Jaabir, this one's too hard for me! Pleeeeeeease coil it up!" She'd chuckle then, shaking her head. "Nah, I couldn't do that."

The owl would laugh. "Fun?" Morathi suspected his interpretation of 'fun' wouldn't apply to herself: He doubted tossing rodents from the sky and dismembering their whittling corpses to be enjoyable for her, though. . . he had misjudged her before. Still, for the mouse to find a struggle for her life enjoyable, it brought interest to him. He would lean in further, grinning at her disapproval. . . studying.

She'd shake her head. "Sides, it's a matter of principle for me, I will not attempt to tempt a pred into comin for me." She'd glance downwards. "I did that once, and that was enough. And I only did it then cause m'love's life was at stake." She'd look up and smile. "But don'cha worry, I expect I'll get my share of challenges. We plan as best we can, but I'm still a mouse, n'a temptin prey, if I do say so m'self, n'ife has a way of throwin challenges are way, no matter how well we plan."

Morathi continued to peer. . . golden gaze glowing brighter as the sun faded. There was little the owl could not see with those eyes. The smallest of creatures, the slightest of rustles. . . and all from great distance. Yet even so close, even just beside, there was much of this mouse he could not see. Was she prey, a predator, or something in between? He'd finally cackle, "There is nothing. That brings me 'worry'." Morathi would pass a new glance over her form, his gaze not unlike their encounter weeks before. . . when he sought to claim her. "You will. . . always be hunted. He'd smirk. "There are more weak. . . than strong. The desperate. But worse will come." His form stooped low. "The rat is only the beginning." A grin formed, Morathi hoped the next would not be so fortunate. His body raised. "This Tarik. He is not yet returned?" He'd blink slow. "You would prefer I not kill him, as. . . the rabbit?"

The mouse nodded respectfully. "I'd appreciate it very much if y'didn't," she answered. "I've grown t'like him since our first meetin." She'd smile. "He's yet another pred friend with a different perspective." She'd shake her head. "And even if it wasn't for that, I'm really curious to see how this project we started turns out." She'd look up at the owl. "He's currently stayin with me and Jack. I doubt he'll be out when we come home, but if y'see any rats in that neighborhood when we get back, I'd much appreciate it if y'double check for you pred one in that neighborhood." She'd shrug. "Eventually, he'll be back amongst his kin, and there'll be no way t'tell him apart." She'd grin and shrug. "He'll just have t'look after himself then."

Sparing creatures which he did not find worthy, was not common to the great owl. The mouse had before, requested he spare a rabbit, and now. . . a rat. The only reason he accepted the first. . . and considered the second, was to avoid interference and otherwise not risk preventing her return. The loss of the lapine could change her. And while not as drastic, the death of the rat would. . . put waste to her plans. Morathi looked down. 'Checking' before maiming and/or devouring his catch wasn't something he especially liked. The rabbit had not been an annoyance, as it was the only one with lopped ears near. "What is. . . the color of his fur? Does nothing. . . set him apart?"

Lichthia quirked her head and thought. "S'got a light grey pelt, bit of a notch in one ear, modest build, short tail." She shrugged. "I'm not expectin you to inspect every rat y'catch, just be a little careful if y'bringin me home or lookin for me, while he's staying with me. And when he goes back, y'not likely to run into him. There are a lot of rats out there after all." She'd smile. "Maybe I'll introduce you sometime. Though think maybe we should wait. He's already had a few terrifyin encounters. Day after he was very nearly eaten by Jaabir, Tabatha caught him, had a long conversation with him. Three preds in three days might be askin a bit much."

Morathi considered the discription. Grey pelts among the local rats seemed. . . common, but the details helped. He'd look to be in thought as the mouse continued, but soon raise. Lichthia before requested he not see nor question the rabbit. The option of seeing the rat, was unexpected. It brought interest to the owl, though mild: The rat didn't seem. . . remarkable. Morathi blinked. "He saw. . . the cat?" The owl had heard of her. From what the mouse had told him, she terrified prey without the use of physical intimidation, and with. . . a kind demeanor: She even declared her to be 'one of the most terrifying'! "And he was. . . frightened?"

The mouse nodded. She quietly wondered if perhaps she shouldn't have mentioned that part, but it was too late to worry about it. "He was shaken," she answered. "See, it turns out there've been a number of outcasts from his colony. S'not like in a mouse colony where bein outcast is rare, they're always fightin for position, and quite a few friends of his had been cast out for him." The mouse sighed. "Some of the early ones found a burrow, and they made a mistake of sendin word back so other outcasts would use it, while not hidin so well." The mouse dropped her gaze. "Seems Tabatha discovered it, and she's been huntin their for months. Turns out a bunch of rats Tarik knew, who he thought were outcast somewhere, are gone."

The owl had thought to ask Lichthia if he was worse, but the mouse had lost her sense of fear before she even saw him: Her opinion would not satisfy. The rat, however, could provide. . . an answer. "Outcasting the. . . weak?" he'd mutter, the words bringing a slow to his thoughts. He had not before heard of such, and. . . It was a prospect he approved of. Morathi continued to listen, soon frowning bit by bit. His head lowered with the mouse. . . for a considerably diffrent reason. Not out of sorrow for the rat. Not at all. In any other context he might have had to mask a grin. Instead it was the effect on his own motives. The cat devoured much of the rat's family. . . and conceivably every ounce of his hope: It put her at an overwhelming advantage! Maybe, the owl considered, he could kill a few himself. . . even the field. His eyes glanced briefly to the mouse, thinking perhaps she would not approve. "It is. . . unfortunate. . ." he'd mutter, soon rising. The owl then stared, an eye raising. "He was. . . her next target?" His grin returned.

The mouse would quirk her head at the word 'unfortunate'. She couldn't believe the owl was developing empathy, certainly not for a rat, but she wasn't able to guess what his thoughts were. Her attention was distracted as he continued. "Yeah, s'right. Ironic, isn't it? Only reason she let him go was Jaabir caught him first, and she's very principled 'bout not takin another pred's prey. Very principled. . ." The mouse would furrow her brows. "She must have known Tarik gettin away would mean no more rats at that burrow, but she did it anyway. So gettin brained by a mouse and hauled off to a hungry python actually saved Tarik's life." She glanced downwards. "Things sure do work out in mysterious ways sometimes.".

"Quite. . ." the owl would comment, still grinning. While he prefered irony to be dark, he still found humor in it. He'd then consider. . . that perhaps not the mouse, but instead he, who started the chain. It was a thought quickly put aside: Saving the life of the unworthy. . . felt exceedingly unpleasant. Instead he'd consider the information in an alternative light: His actions caused a potentional rival to lose their stock of rats. While he had yet to even meet Tabatha, it was a better thought than the alternative. Morathi smirked, peering over the mouse. "The smallest influence. . . can carry much weight."

The mouse smiled, flattered by the comment. Glancing downwards she'd add, "Anyway, if you do end up talking with Tarik, I'd ask you please not to terrify him." She'd look the huge owl up and down and smile shaking her head. "I mean obviously y'can't help but terrify him, I just mean don't terrify him anymore than you naturally would just bein you." The mouse would sigh. "He's been through enough as it is, and I need him strong t'do what I've asked him to." Actually, the mouse wasn't nearly so utilitarian, but she reasoned a selfish motive would make more sense to the owl.

Morathi cackled lightly at the request. His body raised, eyes narrowed. . . a wicked grin to his beak. Stepping to the side, he'd cut of all light. Only his intent gaze, looming down with an errie glow, would be visible. "Being. . . me? That is. . . no limitation." He'd cackle louder, head turning as a gleam of light came against his sharpened beak. The owl would stare then for a time, before trudging back, light once more filling. "Doing worse. . ." he'd consider "may prove. . . permanent." The idea of himself weakening the rat's mind, casting him into a relm of terror and creating a withering husk in its wake, filled Morathi's ego. "Hinder your. . . intent." he'd admit with underlying delight. "I will not. . . make effort." His eyes peered down, face formed to a smirk, "when able."

The mouse smiled and gave a polite nod of her head. "I thank you," she answered. She settled down, leaning her cheek against her staff, and pausing to think. She'd brought the owl up to date on events, now it was time to get delve into what was on her mind. Their time was limited, and so she wanted to get to the point.

Back straight, the eagle-owl lurched himself forward in a subtle return-gesture. Large body returning, he'd look to the mouse, eyes ever-studying, ever interested to her actions, her words, and her thoughts. It would now be the latter of such that intrigued him. And by her posture and pause, he imagined. . . much weight, more than he would credit any other to even hope to contemplate: That is, of course, aside from himself. "I suspect. . . there is more to discuss. . . before I hunt. . . " he'd grin, "before we. . . train."

The mouse nodded, eyes still downcast, arms crossed. "I have made a discovery. . .." she began after a pause, ". . . that troubles me." She nodded, still looking downwards, raising an eyebrow. "I told you already, that I am grateful to be a prey. That the idea of having to bear the weight of being the one who chooses who lives and who dies, frightens me. . . . " She gave the faintest of smiles, ". . .. even as very little else does." Her voice became lower as she spoke, eyes downcast in concentration. "And so, even as I've chosen t'live 'longside a pred, I've worked out m'own rules, m'own compromises. . . t'maintain my neutratily." The mouse sighted. "Those rules and compromises were sorely tested when I took Tarik home. . . . I made it very clear t'Jaabir. . .that it was his decision and his decision alone whether Tarik was spared. . . . . . .or not. . . . That I did not wish to have. . . . .. that responsibility." A rueful smile creapt over the mouse's face. "Even as I knew he'd spare Tarik if I only asked. . . .or consume Tarik. . . .. if I only asked. . . or even made it clear it was what I wanted through the subtlest of mean. . . .."

As the mouse spoke, he'd begin to raise an eye. 'Discovery', it was a word that provoked interest in him. And too, one that troubled. . . this mouse? The great owl leaned inward, towering form drawing nearer. 'What could have. . . bothered her?', he pondered. Morathi paused, blinking slow. Ah yes, her 'rules', her 'conflicts'. Still, it brought intrigue, and he'd grin lightly. The mouse clearly understood, she had as much power over life as the snake did. . . because she held his actions. And yet, still she avoided. The owl would stay silent, only watching. . . observing her.

The mouse's voice was low, and her eyes downcast in concentration as she spoke, neither looking up at Morathi, nor to the left, nor to the right. This was unheard of for her. Always, even in their deepest conversations, the mouse had a habit of always glancing about, always checking her surroundings, a deeply engraved habit born from a lifetime as a prey, where a single moment of inattention could mean death. That habit had kept her alive; even Morathi himself hadn't been able to surprise her that night they met weeks ago. Yet now she stared forward, transfixed all her attention engrossed in the dillemma she was trying to grasp with her mind, leaving it up to the owl to keep them safe.

"Maybe I wouldn't mind it, if I could have the power t'give life. . ." she'd say, voice husky as the dakrness grew. "But no pred has that power." She'd shake her head. "A pred can only give life to one by taking it from another. . . even if that other is themselves. They cannot give life. . . they can only choose. . . who lives and who dies."

A small rueful smile on her face would form. "Course it's obvious I been tryin t'avoid the truth that I do have that choice. . . I don't even have t'ask Jaabir. . . he would never consume someone who's passing I would mourn. . . And we are close enough, I could not hide my heart from him, even if I wished. . . .which of course I never would. . . "

The mouse would shake her head. "Yet I believe I have kept to m'principles. . . such as they are. . . . even as I've wondered if they serve any purpose beyond soothin my conscience. . . protectin me from what I know is true. . .. " The mouse would sigh, staring ahead, almost as though she could see the terrified bound rat in her mind's eye. "But. . . except for that time when I slew the owl, when I broke them entirely. . . ..I have never cut them closer than I did that night with Tarik. . . Jaabir consideren what to do while. . . .me tellin him my heart. . .holdin nothin back. . . . knowin one word from me could save or destroy him. . .. and yet. . . tellin Jaabir the decision was his. . . ." The mouse shook her head slowly.

The intent focus of the creature before him, her hushed tone and stillness, it was. . . recognized. Morathi knew this to be unusual, and it onlly served to further his interest. While a ground creature, a fox or snake, could catch the scent of lingering emotion, an owl. . . could see. There was a heavy burden, a weight which brought her mind to tire. He'd regard her, his expression solemn. Even the mention of 'slaying an owl', a reminder that would typically instill humor in the cold avain, would not bring his smirk. . . and instead intensify respect.

"And since then, there's been a new though formin in my head. . . . a realization. . .. that troubles me." Finally the mouse would raise her head, her little eyes glowing in the darkness a she regarded the owl, and for a moment she saw not Morathi, but the great and terrible judge, Eldraith . "I haven't told no one else. . . " she called upwards, her voice strained as she shook her head, " . . . because I do not believe they would understand. . . .but it troubles me, specially late at night when I'm tryin t'sleep."

As Lichthia's eyes lifted, the great owl's gaze. . . met her: A wide stare, one that could pierce any shroud, any darkness. A stare which assessed every word, and in their reflection. . . shone value in her worth.

When the mouse reached her pause, Morathi beak would part, his reply bringing with it a slow and steady calm. "And what is. . . this discovery. . . this. . . realization?"

Still staring upwards, unmoving, the mouse spoke slowly, as though forcing out the words. "I do not have the power to choose between life and death because my love is a python. . . " She said slowly. She opened her maw to speak, but her throat caught, and she had to steel herself, forcing out each syllable. "I have the power. . .to choose between life and death. . . . because I am alive."

Gaze would drop and head would lower as she said those words. "Everything that lives has that power. . . whether they know it or not. . .. from the greatest of preds. . . to the humblest of mice. . . " Her voice was low and slow again. "That power to choose. . . is the force of life itself. . . and nothin that lives can escape it. . . It's what we are" Looking up again, she'd continue, "The world is. . . full of possibilities. . . . . and in every choice we make, we bring to life a world. . . and we leave countless others to die. . ."

The great owl would at raise an eye. Not because the python? He'd consider, having slain an owl. . . Lichthia possessed this on her own, just as any other which could bring death. And. . . all could. "Forcing others behind themselves when chased. . . exiling the weak. . . offering up their own families in exchange for freedom."

Morathi gave a slow nod. "All may kill. Some betray . . . deceive." Intent eyes would move to his own large talons, which gleamed out from the darkness. "Others. . . more direct." He'd cackled, beak forming to a grin. His eyes lifted. "All have. . . that power. Those which are strong. It is they who may bring these worlds. . . to their will." That judging gaze came upon her then, from her fearless stand, to her focused eyes, and. . . to the staff she held firm. "You. . . are among them."

Strength. . . .will. . ...power. . .. Morathi's reaction hardly surprised her, and she bowed her head in a polite gesture at the owl's affirmation. "Those who sacrifice others so they may live have power," she'd agree, but she couldn't help but noticed he'd passed over another possibility. "And so do those who sacrifice themselves for another."

Morathi stared to her, looking 'almost' surprised by her retort. Had it been another mouse, or any other telling him such, he would very much be 'surprised'. Giving up your own life? It was asinine. He couldn't fathom it. Even so. . . this mouse, given what he knew of her life. . . her reply should be expected. The owl would gather himself, poised as ever. "Sacrifice of another. . . allows one power over life. . . and of death." He'd give a low cackle. "They do not always have control, the strength to shape their world as they see it. One who begs to me, who pleads me to take another. They are weak! It is I who holds their fate. I may take their offer or slay them. They have no control. Should I accept, the one they offer may not be found, may not be foolish. And should they manage their offering. . ." The owl would flash a wicked grin, appearing to find humor or delight in a memory, "I may claim them even then." He'd gaze down to her, studying. "You have learned strength. You have gained control. The owl you have slain, the rat you. . ." he'd laugh, "fell." He'd lurch himself lower, "even in our first encounter, you saw my strike. .. avoided my claws." Those large eyes would not leave her, peering deep, intent. . . the wise owl so heavy in thought. It might appear that he had 'frowned', if only for second. "I see no reason. . . to give one's own life. . . for another." His words were spoken slow, almost 'exasperated', but the emotion heavily masked. He'd blink slow, and raise himself, "Yes. It is. . . power." The owl turned his head to the nest's entrance, staring out to setting sun. "And it is. . . strength."

The mouse would nod slowly at that, impressed by his admission. Morathi might be cruel, he might be vain, but he was intellectually honest. "There's a strength of a sort, in learning to see through fear." She'd touch her cheek to her staff and ponder a moment. "Or perhaps its freedom from the power of others." She'd look upwards. "A pred may physically overcome me, though even that isn't as certain as it once was. . . But what they cannot do, is frighten me. That power they had over me is lost." Eyes would lower. "They cannot make me betray those I love. Even if they tear apart my body, they cannot make me betray what I am." She'd give a small smile. "The cat knows that about me. S'why she doesn't like me. S'why I frighten her."

The owl gave a slow nod, inwardly eager to change the subject. "It is. . . both." Morathi's head would rotate behind to the mouse. "You have. . . freed yourself. From the hold of others. This is not all." His towering body would turn then, razor talons scraping along bark, meeting the line of his gaze. "Most. . . will not act. Will not rule their fate. Fear binds them. Without another present. . . without another to control." He'd grin, "You sought me out. Left the side of your. . . protector. No other would. And now. . ." his beak would gesture to the staff, the embodiment of her will and control, her own strength, "you've gained." His eyes turned then, to meet her own, beak parting to form a low, dry laugh. "You will. . . frighten. . . more than that cat."

The mouse chuckled softly and smiled. The owl was very different than her, but nonetheless his praise felt good. "Funny thing is, I don't particularly wanna frighten folk." She'd run her paw along her staff. "Though I s'pose I don't mind if it helps t'keep me safe." And then because she was an honest mouse, she'd consider the question further, and give a small smile. "Alright. .. " she'd admit, "I s'pose there a few folk I wouldn't mind givin a good scare." Then she'd laugh.

Morathi's would return her 'smile', if one could see it is as such. At first lightly, but it would only grow, the curl on his beak heightening when she 'confessed'. Most would find his expression off-putting, at best, genuinely terrifying at worst. The kind of twisted visage only rivaled by the branches outside his lair. And yet, there would be no contentment in his words or his demeanor, not to which he was capable. "Of course. . ." he'd answer simply, back straightening, "It is. . . necessary. To control." He'd focus his eyes for a moment, considering, before giving a short cackle. "If you did not seek. . . to use fear. You would not be. . ." he'd gesture to the staff as before "spreading it." He'd turn himself then, slowly trudging himself forward. "The rat. .. Tarik. Your. . . 'rumors'."

The eagle-owl stood just before the nest's entrance, eclipsing his form by sun's faded light. "It will come." He'd laugh, finding delight in the breach of order. A world he himself sought to shape. "They will see you. . . and run. In time." His head would turn, eyes growing large, intent. "Now. . . they will come. Their teeth. Their. . ." He'd lift a set of razored talons, "claws. But they will not reach you. Not even at your weakest. Not even. . . in darkness."

The mouse would grin. There was something that appealed to her in Morathi's praise. "I'm beginning to feel at home in darkness," she'd answer glancing out the nest's entrance. "thanks to you. Against creatures who don't call the night their home, darkness is no longer when I'm at my weakest." Paws would slide up and down her staff, itching to use it. "Against you I need practice!" She'd grin wide and look up at the owl. "I enjoy our conversation, but our time is limited. Words weigh heavily on my mind, and one can lose oneself in philosophy. In too much thought everything becomes complicated, and life becomes wearisome. While in the dance of wing and talon, paw and speed, everything is simple." She'd rise to her feet. "Shall we dance?"

He'd laugh low at the mouse's words. "Quite. Now you will shed that weakness. . . to my eyes. You will lose your. . . disadvantage, to those of night. You will gain strength. . . above all else." His head turned back, the great owl stepping out onto a branch that cracked and trembled beneath him. "Bring yourself to the ground. . . leave your eyes. You will not need them."