Xiriv was only a small cub for the moment, but she didn't care. She knew what she would become when she reached 4 cycles of age. A predator that could not be stopped. A fierce hunter. An adult tiger. She walked into Orion and was mesmerized at the glistening ceiling above her. As she walked she looked to see if there were any other gembounds around. She sniffed the air. Nothing. She called out to see if anyone was there. "Hello! Is there anyone here?! I'm alone over here!" She waited to see if there would be answer. She was so bored.

There was a soft crack of a branch some distance off. This turned into the slow, rhythmic approach of hooves placed delicately in the mossy soil.

When Astraea appeared, it was with an expression of dim interest, as though his mind were elsewhere. He paused, drawing himself upright, a few yards off, and studied this new Gembound.

"Hello, little one," he offered, at last.

@Xiriv