milliways_bar | (no subject)

What? Did you think this wouldn't touch the animal patrons as well?

Looks like human[oid] females aren't the only ones cycling in the bar this month.

There's a large, cougar-like cat roaming between the tables, yowling, screaming and, every now and then, will roll about on the floor the way you've seen housecats do.

It would appear that being around a large number of hormonal women has caused Tasha to come into heat. Or rather, the scent of dozens of women going through their monthly cycles has caused her to come into heat. Or maybe it's empathy that's led her to this state.

Then again it could just be a funny case of coincidence that Ian's lir is in estrus and acting very friendly to everyone, rubbing against them and purring loud enough to pass for a car engine.

Either way, there's a cat who's perhaps the only one enjoying this time of the month - much to Ian's chagrin.

[This post weirds me out in all sorts of ways and that's why I have to write it.

Stupid muses...]

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"Right..." Draco replied to that, "What's a lir anyway?"

It's not an easy thing to do, but he'll have to give it his best shot.

"A lir is an animal that the gods give to each Cheysuli warrior when they leave boyhood behind and become men of the clan. They may be any animal—wolf, fox, mountain cat, like Tasha is—or a bird, like a hawk or a falcon. And through them we can access the earth magic, which, among other things, allows us to shift our shapes."

He smiles at Tasha.

"We are bonded, Tasha and I, and that bond is for life. While I live, she lives. For however long the gods grant us life.

Unless fate decides otherwise and takes her—through death—from me. That, young man, has its price..."

Draco nodded, "Sounds a little like Animagi on my world. Only it's when a witch or wizard learns how to become a particular animal. Only one form though, and it's not like they're seperate entity. We also have familiars, but usually it's owls, cats, snakes, or like that. No bond like you said though."

"The lir, when it comes to the shapechange, are the ones who teach us how to become an animal at will, as well as the balance required to stay in lir-shape. A man, should he become too emotional, can become trapped in lir-shape. If he is in pain, lir-shape is denied completely."

Through all this Tasha listens intently, acquiring some of her old self back.

"You can always tell what animal a warrior can become by looking at his animal. As Tasha is a mountain cat, so too am I when in lir-shape."

To think that two seperate worlds could have a few things in common, but then, that's fantasy for you...

Draco nodded, "Becoming an Animagus also dangerous. Easy to lose control, and cause damage to one's self if their mind and willpower is not resolute." He's been doing his research on it after all.

"Good form actually." He added approvingly about the lir-shape.

Yep, univeral themes or authors getting similiar ideas and inspirations.

Tasha's response is to purr loudly.

Such a nice young man he is, she approves, and Ian laughs.

"Aye I believe so too. There is nothing to compare to the ability to throw off human form and become a cat at will."

Demonstrations will have to be put on hold for obvious reasons.

"And aye, you are right to learn that which every man or woman blessed with the power to become an animal must learn.

With such power as the shapechange comes great responsibility."

It's cute the way Ian is so willing to believe the best in Draco.

Let's leave him to his innocence for now...

Yeah, well, he's getting better. Sort of...

Ok, reconsidering his options, and what will keep him out of jail and alive.

Draco blinked, "Well, been something of an interest of mine, yes. Er... right. Night." And he turned to leave.
He wasn't running, just striding away. Rather quickly. Yes.
Right.

Ian smiles at Draco's speed-walking form, and does his best to lure Tasha up to their room where she can wait out her heat cycle in peace.