This is not my world {Nate, Open}

[Serpentsia]

I had slept for an age, in the most literal of terms, and awoke to find that much in the world had changed. Heroes no longer wandered the earth in numbers of hundreds, but a dwindling few. Most without the knowledge they were even warriors. Magick had all but died as well. It seemed there may be no more place for me in this world than there had been in ages past.

My scaled skin had kept me well armored during my slumber, now covered in the dust of centuries. Slithering through the cypress trees, I'd left the underground in search of cleaner, clear water to wash the grit from my scales. What was once a majestic rainforest was now a swamp. Vines clung to the trees, dipping low into the murky water. Other things, creatures I knew from long ago still roamed these dank waters, but none that I knew by name, though I could tell you their species. The alligator and the crocodile, along with a number of snakes inhabited this place. Frogs and lizards as well, and a few birds. It was the reptiles that interested me, that called to me just as my presence called to them.

Many creatures followed me as I trekked through the swamps, in search of a clear running stream free of muck. I found a small waterfall, a remnant of the rainforest that was, hundreds of years ago. Maybe more, for I had no real sense of time when I slept. Perhaps it had been eons. A brightly colored bird, whose name I did not know, flew dangerously close to the snakes that served as my hair, and one struck out, narrowly missing it's prey. The ash of the ages that covered me still left a small cloud in it's wake as the snake retreated to coil along it's brothers atop my head.

Reaching the stream, I did not hesitate to immerse myself beneath the water's fall, letting it cascade over my scales. Relief was instant as the dust and grime of a century's rest or more pooled off me. I let myself change, from Gorgon to the appearance of a human woman, and bathed again in the clear, cool waters. The sheath of fabric that draped across my breasts and covered my modesty clung to me, and I shucked it off, tossing it across a nearby branch to dry. I rinsed my hair, no longer snakes, and stayed beneath the waters as long as I cared too. I was refresh and clean, but missed the feel of water falling over my skin, or my scales.

Many of the creatures that had followed me from the depths of the swamp remained near. A duo of crocodiles to my right sat serenely on the bank, while a smaller alligator swam in circles a few yards before me, snapping his jaws at passing fish. Snakes of many breeds littered the trees and the ground, few entering the water. There was no competition between species, each in perfect harmony with my presence so near. They need not fight for space or food, and so, I had a myriad of beings to converse with. Much of my conversation with animals is mental, for they do not speak as humans do. I was so enraptured with learning what I could from the other animals, and bathing beneath the small waterfall, that I did not detect the presence of another as they approached. However, the animals did, and it was their awareness that alerted me.

[Nathaniel Loup Garou]

Coming from the clan, my wounds from the hunters were healed, just a faded pink scar on my leg which would heal further when I shifted next, I waved to Syren who had Sarah huddled beside her, terrified that she had put us in danger like that. Not that it was her fault, and Syren kept trying to tell her that, though the girl was freaking. "She'll be okay. Once the shock wears off." I smiled softly, even though I wasn't big on smiling these days, hoping it would further my own words before turning and heading through the parted trees. From be shift earlier, I had shredded my jeans and my boots lay in tatters from the sudden expansion of paws. My favorite jacket however, was free from such things as I generally pulled it off before hand. Slipping it over my shoulders, tugging the ends, it rather completed my look, especially with my still torn jeans upon my lower frame. "I'll be back. Promise." Giving a wave to Nicholai who stayed silent, I tore through the brush, with no intention of going much except for the sole purpose of running.

The flesh of my feet were stabbed and sliced by various things upon the ground, like sticks and twigs, a few leaves stuck to my toes but were quickly repelled when I did not stop but poured on the speed. Running for the sake of it, I smiled to myself, losing my mind in the blissful sounds of nature around me, from birds calling, to a cheetah zipping past with incredible speed, it made me look as though I was standing still. Going through the forest, the air told me I was nearly at the swamps, and it was here that I slowed down my speed until I was walking, carefully avoiding to step on the snakes and other reptiles that had made this area their home. "Hey little guy." A snake was making its way up my leg, around my stomach before feeling content on my shoulders, hissing as its head weaved past my own. Touching its scaly head, I couldn't help but smile. "You are a special one." I murmured, half closing my eyes.

It was quiet here apart from the odd snapping of jaws from a few crocodiles. It was dangerous here, but I was more than capable of handling myself. Besides, animals knew when someone was, different, shifters generally had an easier time getting along with animals than regular folk. "You can stay, but if I shift it will be wise to leave." I spoke gently, and I swear the snake understood, bobbing its head with another slithering hiss with its tongue. About the move further in the swamps, there was a glimmer of magick infusing the air, washing over my skin in a warm light. The snake seemed to react, eyes staring ahead as if something was there and that was good enough for me. Starting up my run again, keeping the snake from slipping, I plowed through the swamps, jumping over a few reptiles still plodding along, sniffing the air as a water scent tickled. Good thing too, I was a little thirsty, and it seemed like whatever was around, it was there, near the water. "Curiosity killed the cat. In my case, werewolf.

My feet made no noise as I crashed through, skidding to an abrupt halt as I stared ahead, almost falling right into the water. A naked woman was in the water, my sight a damn lot better than humans, and I immediately diverted my eyes, trying not to look rude or stare too much. The woman was beautiful, with an air of magick coming from her in waves, so it didn't take me long to guess she was something different than your average human. That and the snake seemed to take on a blank look, as if, talking or listening to things I couldn't hear. "I apologize for barging in like this. I truly mean no disrespect or harm by it." I dipped my head, still not looking at the naked woman beneath the crisp water. I was a guy yes, but not one of those that looked at naked woman all day. There was a line. If she was my mate, then sure, but a stranger, no. I was not going to cross that line. "My name is Nathaniel, or you can just call me Nate." I wasn't sure if I should add my surname of Loup Garou, so I left that out. For now.

[Serpentsia]

The two crocodiles that had been perched on the banks of the stream dove into the deeper water, their powerful tails propelling them along. Inhaling sharply I caught the scent of man, and wolf, mingling together. This was new to me, something I had not smelled before, not as the same scent. There was magick there, old magick, yet not as old as I. I sent an inquiry among the serpents, and received an answer from one who rode with the man-wolf. "I am Horrissssss. He issss Loup Garou." The coral snake whispered to my mind. I did not know what this Loup Garou was, but from the images Horris sent me, I determined he was a mix of man and wolf, sharing one body and able to change, much like I could. Fascinating!

I turned to see the man standing there, mere moments before he spoke. "You are as free as I am. This land is to be shared by all." He'd diverted his eyes from me, and yet he knew not what I was. I could not turn him to stone, not unless I called upon my Gorgon form and my eyes shone golden. Until then, he was safe to gaze upon me and meet my eyes. I judged that perhaps he was uncomfortable with my nude form, and pulled the teal and golden lined cloth from the tree branch, stepping from beneath the water fall and draping it over my body.

I approached this stranger and smiled. "We are well met this day, Nathaniel. I am Serpentsia, and you are....what my friend calls Loup Garou." I reached out, tickling the coral snake's chin as he stretched forward from Nate's shoulder toward my hand. His tongue flickered out as he tasted the air around us. "Pray tell, what is Loup Garou? In my mind I see wolf, and man. I can smell them both, it is your scent, laced with magick nearly as old as I. It is strange to me, as I suspect many things in this world, this time, will be." I reached behind me and twisted my hair, wringing water from it. The alligator that had swam near my feet returned, following me to greet this Loup Garou, and crept from the water, casting a casual glance at Nathaniel as it meandered past. "The animals, they do not react to you as predator or prey. This is mystifying. What magick do you hold over them?"

[Nathaniel Loup Garou]

Animals that slithered around, a few bumping next to me while others were content in going into the water, no longer seen for they dove deeper and deeper, the water their home, their playground. "I thank you. Still, there are those that do not like having their surroundings be invaded by another." My vocals were deep and smooth, tilting my head back to face her while parts of my dark hair fell around my skin, edges tickling. Sweeping it back easily with a swipe of my hand, giving it a wind swept look which made me chuckle inside. Most times I was on the run, enjoying the freedom and rush it gave, so most times, my hair and fur always had the appearance of being wind swept. Hooking my thumbs in my jeans pockets, watching as the woman put clothing over her, I paused in my thoughts, watching her move with such grace. It didn't take me that long to know she was older than I was. That grace came with time, even if I started now I'd always look clumsy next to her.

"Forgive me, you do not have to dress if you feel uncomfortable. There are some that prefer being naked." I began, trying to find a way of continuing without sounding like a pervert. "I did not want to stare like a pervert and make you feel uncomfortable." Shutting my trap then, the woman walked closer to me, coming out of the water as drips fell back with soft splashes into the water, watching carefully in case she turned out to be a foe, not a friend. Though the snake upon my shoulder didn't feel threatened, as if somehow it knew the woman, and so that was good enough for me. "A pleasure to meet you Serpentsia. A pleasure indeed." Dipping my head in respect, I stole a glance at the snake, "I'm guessing he is your friend then?" I bobbed my head towards the snake, its head brushed past my cheek towards Serpentsia. "Aye, wolf and man, your mind sees correctly. Loup Garou are a clan of werewolves, which is a man, or woman, able to turn into a wolf, but its much more than that. We are family, and friends."

I paused, taking a deep breathe before continuing. "Our magick stems from our gypsy side, our ancestors. The clan is old, woven in history. I should not speak anymore without the permission of the Alpha, in case I give away something that could be used against us." I thought of Zane then, the evil, murderous son of a bitch werewolf that was our number one enemy. "It is not you, we have had, trouble, with a certain werewolf named Zane. He wants us dead. All of the clan." My annoyance and hatred of Zane departed when I chuckled in response to her next words, "no magick. At least not that I know of. And to be honest, I'm not sure. It could be because I am different, that they know they will not be killed for their pelt, or scales. We are friends to the animals. If we hunt for food, its only enough to eat, no more. We thank the animal and their spirit, before it departs to the other side. We do not kill unless we have too, and then we have a conscious." I don't think I explained well, that was why I was not in any pack position. That made me chuckle again.