Title: Cat's Cradle
Character(s): Meru, Guaraha, Kate
A/N: And here's Meru. Upcoming are Shana, Luanna, and eventually a Lloyd/Wink and a Miranda. I decided to put a structure in this one 'cause it looked a little better. But does it look rushed, I wonder?
I
She had been born to be a rule breaker and all around chaos-inducing imp and number one source of exasperation to those dedicated to the Routine Lifestyle of the wingly's hideaway. It was evident by the time she was six. This was the time that she discovered what scissors were and how to apply them. Her parents had, of course, thrown a fit, when the walked into her room one morning to find her entire wardrobe mutilated.
Her excuse was that the normal wingly clothes were far too stifling and ugly and gray.
II
She liked to dance more than anything. But the normal wingly dances were formal and stiff. They couldn't move like the flowers and the branches and even the grass did. Well, she couldn't either. Guaraha told her this every time she tripped or slipped or kicked herself in the face. Which was fine with her. Guaraha could complain all he liked. At least, unlike everyone else, he sat and watched her practice everyday. At least, unlike everyone else, he never told her to give it up or stop acting foolish.
Because as far as she was concerned they were the foolish ones.
III
This thought was what allowed her to leave the settlement for the expanses of the outside world with very little regret. She packed her bags and, in the dead of the night, left, searching for more than routine and the gray, monotonous confines on the forest. There were no goodbyes. She didn't want to falter. However, when she paused outside of Guaraha's house to look up at his darkened window, she almost ran back home. She put that sudden energy into running in the opposite direction. Toward the gate.
Toward the whole, wide world that would become her new playground
IV
Her first week in the outside was what most humans would consider rough. She was always low on food. Her clothing was unsuited for the climate. She had no companions. She had no idea how this world functioned. But she had a smile on her face the whole time. The experience in itself was all the nourishment she needed. The sights, the sounds, the smells; it was all food for thought. Everything was an adventure. From the snow filled plains to the motely towns to the desert she had just hiked through.
Or so she thought until she finally collapsed just outside of Donau, skin torn and stomach empty.
V
Kate was a sweet girl. She was young and full of life. And she because of this she became very dedicated very quickly to taking care of Meru, who, despite being older, was more of a child than herself. She could be seen dancing around town on a daily basis. The flowers seemed to sway in tune with her. Kate gave her ribbons. She had never seen someone smile that brightly at such a simple gift before. Meru put them on immediately and became a sort of staple in the town. A dancer of great beauty, but questionable grace.
Whether her audience was admiring her body or waiting for her inevitable trip was up for debate.
VI
When the Dragoons came, all proud and determined and full of will, she felt drawn to them instantly. When she found out they were off to rescue the fiance of one of her dear friends, she pounced. It was an adventure waiting to happen, and it was about time she got moving again.
But really, it just felt like destiny.