Lying under the stars close to the waters' edge, I listen to the waterfall, just a stone's throw away. Feeling a bit restless at this late hour, my mind begins to wander.
Unable to remain still, I arise to explore my surroundings. Finding an open ridge, I sit and await the rising sun. I gaze at the dark sky, noticing constellations my mother had pointed out to me as a child. Leaning back against the cool smooth stone, a light breeze blows ruffling my hair. I close my eyes hearing the distant babble of the brook and rustle of the leaves in the trees. Finally able to relax, I listen as the birds begin to awake and let out their distinct song.
I sit for what seem only moments until I notice the warmth of the rising sun heating my skin. Lying flat on the ridge I bask in its glow, mentally preparing for the continuance of my journey.
With my eyes still closed, I sense something. Something is lurking close, trying to go unnoticed. Using the senses God gave, and the talents once taught to me as a young child, I sniff the air smelling a musky scent. Cocking my head to the side, I listen closely, I hear the padding of.... paws? Amid the songs of the birds, I hear steady low breathing.
Without opening my eyes, I determine this is a rather large animal. Knowing how to react is the most important thing to situations like this is, I remain calm. Slowly, I open my eyes to view the loveliest creature I had set my eyes upon in a long while. There, before me, stands a very large, muscular, mountain cat.
I look at it with complete fascination. This amazing animal turns and looks at me. Without fear I meet its gaze. How odd his eyes are. Why, they do not appear to be feline at all, but... human. Intrigued, I gaze deeply into its face trying to figure out this puzzle. As it gazes back, I feel no fear.
I begin to inch toward this beast, not of my own power, but as if the animal is drawing me near to it. Unsure of this feeling, I try to resist, but it is futile. Tentatively, I move closer, reaching my hand out to touch its magnificent fur. As my hand lowers down to stroke its leg, I notice how warm and slightly damp his fur feels.
I bury my hand deeper into the fur and feel the powerful muscles that I know could tear me apart, without a chance for me to escape, should it decide. Hesitating for a moment, with this thought, I start to back away. As my touch is withdrawn, it turns his head to face me, and a deep, guttural growl emits from its throat. It was not a growl of anger; more of discontent and wonderment.
Sensing that it wants me to continue to touch and explore what its body consists of, I move ever so closer. Sitting next to this massive beast, I reach up and bury both hands deep into his fur, all the way down to its muscular frame. I trail my hands along the sides of its shoulders up to its neck, until my arms are almost encircling its frame. I have my eyes closed to focus purely on my tactile senses.
Intimately getting to know this incredible beast. Feeling completely safe I lean into it. Lowering my body to feel its soft silky fur against my flesh, it rolls its body forcing me to roll with it. Caught a little by surprise, I grab onto the fur and hold on so I don't fall. Finding myself lying on top of it, I slide a leg over to the other side, straddling its back.
I feel the animals' massive ribcage expand and contract with every breath beneath me. I feel as if I know this animal...this huge cat...this male cat.
As I sit upon his back, he is completely at ease. I reach up and grab the fur near his neck and pull myself forward. Having a leg over each shoulder, I sit in the middle of his back just below his neck. He lazily turns his head back to look at me. Once again, I see those startling eyes. They look so wise. Too wise, for merely a beast.
As I ponder this thought I feel movement beneath me. Thinking this animal was coming to his feet, I slide off to one side and watch where he is going. Instead of standing, his skin contorts and changes rapidly. The fur seems to disappear into the animal, replaced by smooth tanned flesh. The paws now were changing into hands and feet. In awe, I continue to watch this amazing transformation. Finally the head begins to change, taking its human form, with dark, long thick wavy hair.
This once beast has now transformed into the most perfect man I had ever seen. The musculature was all where its supposed to be, his skin flawless, and those same eyes. Only now they look about a bit confused. Too shocked myself to say anything I just sit wide-mouthed, watching, unsure of what my eyes had just seen. Could this be real?
Standing there in front of him, I watched as he gathered his surroundings. When his bearings were coming to, he looked at me with such awe. The look on his face was part in fear, part wonderment, and a LOT of confusion. He tried to speak, but all that came out was a throaty moan, sounding more like a growl. Seems as though the change was still happening.
