Author's Note: I'm sorry if the Soothsayer is not quite right. I went over it again and again, but she's hard! I hope this chapter's a bit better than the last few!

To anyone who doesn't know, a lynx is a medium cat (like tigers are big cats). Shuang is a Eurasian lynx and they do live in the west part of China, as well as in Europe and other parts of Asia. You can look it up if you want to see a photo.

This story is based on a really weird dream I had, so, though I never thought I would write one, this will be a Shen romance (an interesting one at that!). Sorry for any confusion.

Thirteen Years: A Choice

That night, Shuang slipped out of bed and got dressed. She opened the window and dropped into the dark street below. She checked the documents that she'd taken from the study. Wrapping her cloak around herself, she pulled up her hood and ran along the street towards the Tower of the Sacred Flame, the ancestoral home of the Peacocks. It was now under the protection of the Master's Council, and Master Ox had taken her there a few times to train. Now, it was another nearby presence she wanted.

The young lynx hurried past the silent houses, rounded a corner and came to a cottage. Approaching the door, her sensitive ears twitched as she heard movment inside. She was about to knock when the door opened. Leaping back, she got ready to fight, but it wasn't necessary. The Soothsayer smiled kindly at her. "Come in, child." she said. Shuang followed her inside.

The house was cozy, with a fire going and a small table set for two. There were a few personal items, including a vase filled with a variety of flowers she had never seen before, and a feeling of peace and comfort washed over her. The Soothsayer motioned Shuang to one of the chairs.

"Would you like some tea?"

Shuang hesitated. What was she supposed to say? She knew basic manners but nothing more. What was the point, when you were no longer accepted in higher social circles? She swallowed, then whispered, "Yes, please."

The Soothsayer smiled again and poured the tea. "Now, tell me what you came for."

"I have been asking my parents about Lord Shen, and I think they're hiding something from me. I want to know why he was banished. And where he is now." She answered softly.

"I see."

Shuang looked into her tea for a moment before speaking again. "Even before I was born, I was betrothed to him. Then when I was five a witch said that my betrothed had been banished, so I had no use for my peahen form. So she stole it and gave me this one instead. So I want to know why he was exiled. Why I am the way I am."

The Soothsayer watched the girl quietly before saying, "I'll be back in a moment." She walked into another room. Shuang listened to the crackling of the fire, and watched the flames jump and dance, forever forming new shapes. A few minutes later, the Soothsayer came back. "I will tell you about Shen if you like, but I think it would be best if you went and found him yourself. He is hiding in the mountains to the north. It will be a long trip, but you could do it. So, what will it be? Do you want me to tell you, or do you want to find him?"

Shuang stared at the older woman, stunned, unsure what to do with that. She felt terrified by the idea of going anywhere alone, unprotected from bandits, the elements, or anything else that might seek to harm her. But at the same time... would it help? She could fight and protect herself, and should be able to survive, and if the Soothsayer thought it was for the best...

"I will go find him." She said certainly.

"Good!" the Soothsayer exclaimed. "I already packed what you will need."

Shuang suddenly felt nervous again. "You want me to go now?"

The Soothsayer looked over at her. "Do you really think you would leave tomorrow?"

A pause. "No."

"It will be better if you leave tonight." Shuang was about to speak when. "I will tell your parents."

"Thanks." The lynx shouldered the pack. "I should go now, so I am out of the city before dawn."

"Good girl." The Soothsayer said kindly. "One warning: Shen may be completely mad by now. And very dangerous. Be very careful with him."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Good, now go. Safe journey to you!" Shuang hesitated, standing in the doorway, glancing back at the old goat. Then she turned and strode away. The Soothsayer watched as the girl disapeared around the corner. "Perhaps you can show him a better path."