#1: Short Goodbyes

Dried meat. Fur blanket. Fire starters. Cat looked over her meager possessions laid out on the damp soil. Her eyes flitted around the empty tent. 

    Satisfied she was alone, she reached down under a pile of logs and pulled out her most prized possessions, a bow and a quiver of three arrows. They were poorly made and seldom used, but it was her best chance at survival.

    "You know, leaving your bow strung is a good way to break it." Cat swung around, glaring at the intruder, before quickly averting her eyes down and bowing her head.

    "Chief Goldeneye, I bow to your wisdom." Cat met eyes with her leader, looking into the golden pupils that matched her namesake. They were as cold and emotionless as ever. Cat glanced down at her bow, her heart sinking. She couldn't unstring the bow. She could barely even pull it. "I am sure you are pleased. You finally can get rid of me." She said with a little more venom than she anticipated. The chief merely glanced around the tent.

    "Give it here. I will help you." The chief, wearing little else besides simple leathers and war paint, extended her hand. Cat clutched her bow tighter.  

    "You would like that, wouldn't you? You know I have not mastered the Change," Cat said.

    Chief Goldeneye cocked her head. "Yes, you are right. I believe the bow is a crutch. Without its support, you can fully give yourself  to your birthright." The chief's hand dropped though, resigned. She continued, "You know I wish you well. You may be our only chance."

    "Then we are doomed beyond all imaginings." Cat voiced cracked, trying to hold back sudden tears. Chief said nothing to that. No words of encouragement. No subtle salute to her selfless act. She just stared and stared. Cat had to break the silence.

    "Well I'll be off, then. If, by some miracle, I return with their location...perhaps I could --"

    "Never mind that. You will return. I have seen the signs. And you will return in your true form." The Chief sniffed. She turned to leave into the morning dew, calling over her shoulder as she walked out, "Believe in yourself, daughter. I do."