The Tiger Within 41 My Family....

Kyera and Talis prattled back and forth as they headed toward the village. Verone followed, ever vigilant even in these forests. Unlike his teacher, who could seem to keep eye contact and continue a conversation while making her way safely through the woods, but is actually looking over her subject's shoulder and surveying the world for danger, Verone hadn't mastered it yet. Instead he listened with a small smile on his face as Kyera explained her thoughts on his future.

To be honest, her manner didn't surprise him at all, the through way she explained things and led her student to the same conclusion she herself had made. It was a art she often used on him, grooming him till he saw her logic, but also tending his individuality. Her reasoning was simple, if one could use two thought processes to reach the same conclusion, they may catch snags that one might not notice if they stopped at one.

"So, with that being said," Kyera concluded her explanation with a smile "what do you think is the next logical step?" with this, she effectively left his future in his own paws. Judging by the look on his face, Talis was well aware of the weight now on his shoulders.

His brow wrinkled a bit as he thought, trying to put his mind to it at different angles and decide the next course of action. There were several moments of long silence as the three kept moving toward the bazaar. Sounds of bartering and the smell of foods cooking filled the evening air. Kyera was patient, but didn't have to wait too long.

"I suppose the best thing to do now is head to a training ground and start testing out possibilities?" Talis' words sounded much more like a question than a statement. He was unsure, timid and there was no mistaking it. Kyera flashed him a earth shattering smile, ones reserved for praise.

"Exactly right. I am thinking the northern training grounds. We will see what you take to there." Kyera replied with a nod, her eyes darting over to Verone. A elegant eyebrow arched, silently asking his opinion.

"Perhaps, or perhaps the West? It's closer and has a little bit of everything plus the agility course is a bit more in depth. It might challenge him more." Verone pointed out. Kyera nodded thinking about this for a long moment.

"I see your point. The West would be better for today. We can go to the North when we have a full day to truly break a sweat." she winked at him. Her body b.u.mped lightly int Verone's, catching him slightly off guard. He glanced at her. Seeing that cheeky grin his lips curled into a smile of their own. Talis was blissfully unaware or numb to the body language playing out to his right.

"Sounds like it should be a productive day despite having a late start." Talis said with a rather bright grin. Verone shot him a dirty look over Kyera's head. However he was soothed slightly as the girl in question chuckled brightly.

"Well, you better have enjoyed this late morning. It's the only one your likely to have for a long long time." Kyera replied with a smirk. Talis' face fell as he remembered how early his brother would get up and dart out the door back when he started training with Kyera. It was uncommon to see him leave, and if he did see his big brother it was in pa.s.sing as Verone stole a piece of meat from breakfast and dodged out the door.

The two elder tigers began to laugh as reality sunk into the younger's head. Verone chuckled "Think about it this way kid, you won't have to worry about your looks. Your beauty rest will be totally wrecked." Talis shot his brother a glare.

Kyeara chuckled, feeling at home between the brothers. She couldn't help but smile softly at the pair who loved her as much as she loved them. As her eyes looked both over her heart filled with warmth.

'I will do whatever it takes to protect this family. My family's the words a silent promise within her mind but rooted deep in her heart.

Truth be told, even as Kyera thought these words things were set in motion. The winds of change had begun to dance across the valley.