HAIR COLOUR: Night Sky Blue.

EYES COLOUR: Olive Green.

LIKES: power naps and meditation.

DOESN'T LIKE: long safety measure lectures from Keira.

--- THE CHILD. ---

It had been a long day, and Diana rushed to finish her research. She could swear that a rare type of orchid had been growing right on this spot, but now it was empty. She swore and moved deeper into the forest. Diana was hungry and tired but wouldn't leave this place without them. She would not give up so easily. Suddenly she saw a movement—something too large and out of place. Diana prepared to blast a protective barrier around her but stopped in shock.

A cheetah was standing right in front of her. In Aurallia’s forest, out of all places? How was this possible? Another wormhole in space? Suddenly the animal bowed its head and started moving as if expecting Diana to follow. Like she would be that stupid to do so.

"Good luck luring someone else. I am too busy for such games!" She took a deep breath and prepared to return home empty-handed.

"What in the name of gods is this?" She could bet anything that she had just heard a baby cry. Were those mushrooms hallucinogenic? She swore again and moved in the direction of the cheetah.

--- THE WINGS ---

"As if it's not unusual enough to find a child in the woods. You found the one I have never seen before. And my answer hasn't changed since yesterday. Cheetah is growing too fast, and he is faecorn. We barely survive our transformations in the usual temp. And he is developing wings. And did you see them? What type of wings are those? They are firmer than anything I know and as flexible as silk. But they won't save him. My potions will take away the pain, but the transformation will kill him. I am sorry, I don't know how to help. You need to prepare yourself and accept it, Diana. The is no other way." The healer closed her eyes and slowly left the room to tend to another patient.

--- THE BARGAIN. ---

Diana tried not to show her nervousness, but she stood before Keira. The creator of The Eilianulug. She needed to take control of her emotions right now.

"So you say there is a chance to save him?! What didn't you tell me?" Diana bit her lip.

"I say it is. If each member of your clan agrees to give a seed of their power, I can put them in this crystal. And it will help sustain his life. But Cheetah needs to wear it through the time of his transformation and long after it completes." Keira put a heart-shaped red crystal in Diana's hand.

"It can't be this simple!" Diana almost screamed in excitement. She knew everyone loved the little cheetah. They would happily give this gift.

Keira took a breath. "Of course, it is not that simple. We need a fairy bargain to power the magic spell."

Diana's face went blank in fear.

"What can he give me? He is just a child... well... I know! He must be my apprentice for twenty years and seven month. It is precisely the time the amulet needs to work. He has to prom...." Keira couldn't finish the rest as Diana hugged her, and a river of tears flowed on Keira's brand new leather.