When Idris awoke the next morning, the sky was gloomy and grey. She could tell it would storm and she didn't have a stable shelter. She spent most of the day scouting the trees for a suitable place to be away from the storm but she couldn't find one good one. The hollow trees went so deep into the tree she'd get stuck and maybe die in one. The little cub that followed her every step let out a little chirp and looked at the sky making Idris lift her gaze. The storm was coming in hard and faster than she expected. Having no choice she grabbed the cub and settled under a brush of roots and ferns.
The rain started light but soon they were both soaked wet and their sight was limited just to a few places Infront of them. Suddenly the little cub leapt from her arms into the storm. Idris followed almost immediately trying to catch it but the little cub kept going forward then waiting for her to catch up the going forward again. Idris realized the cub was trying to tell her to follow it, out of curiosity she followed the cub through the storm. After walking for quite awhile, they were standing at the entrance of a cave. The inside was pitch black and Idris suspected there might be a predator inside. The little cub wasted no time going inside and Idris followed a step behind careful and on the alert. The cub shook it's fur to get rid of water and sat on his hind legs watching Idris. It tilted it's head to the side slightly as if asking her what she was doing. Idris inspected the cave carefully. Whatever creature used to live there left a long time ago, there was dead bones. The only recent thing she found was quite a humongous egg shell. She was certain it wasn't that of an ostrich and judging from the dryness, whatever it was had hatched a few weeks ago if not a month. The little cub was content being in the cave and Idris decided to trust in it, besides what choice did she have. She bundled up with the cub and relaxed for a moment. Just then a very bright flash filled the cave with light and she could see the cave continued inwards. A loud thunder tore across the sky startling her, when a presence filled her mind again and sent reassuring waves. Staring at the cub, "Thunder," she said. The cub's ears perked up and he let a happy chirp. "You like it then? I dub thee Thunder then." she proclaimed giggling. Thunder purred on her chest and closed it's eyes to sleep.
The next morning as soon as the birds started chirping, Idris was up. Welding one of her larger knives she set about trying to find a strong but easy to cut branch for a bed post. She then collected reeds from the river banks and set to sowing them together by hand onto the woodwork she had made. She then collected some more reeds and set them out to dry so she could use them as a mattress. Thunder had gone exploring by himself and she wondered where he could be. Closing her eyes she decided to try and use the connection, but instead of ending up in Thunder's thoughts, she realized she was seeing through his eyes. He was on top of a dangerously steep cliff staring down below. Idris thought he was just getting some sun and was ready to leave him be when she noticed it. Down below the cliff several places away was what appeared to be some kind of a house? It was covered in moss and algae and blended perfectly with it's surrounding one could miss it at a glance. "What was that? Did people used to live here?" she asked herself. NOT HUMAN. POWERFUL. NOT MORE THAN YOU. Thunder said in her thoughts Not more than me? Not human? Idris couldn't understand what Thunder was trying to say. "Well let's go see if anyone is there."
It was approaching dusk when they finally got close to the house. Trying to be cautious they approached from behind until Thunder stopped suddenly as his hackles raised and he let out a low growl. Idris was surprised that he actually growled but she didn't want to waste time. She entered through the opening at the back and was hit by a strong scent that assaulted her nose. Whoever lived here sure used strange herbs. The little space was covered by potted plants, dried powders, glass jars with flowers she had never seen before and parchments. Lots of parchments that had writings in them. She picked one up and tried to read it's contents but she could only recognize a few syllables. She didn't notice the blue eyes watching her from the darkness of the corner. She felt a cold blade settle on her neck and she froze. "Who sent you and how did you find me." A low deep voice demanded. When she hesitated to answer, he dug the top of the blade and it tore her skin easily drawing blood. Whoever this was, they weren't messing around. As Idris tried to think of a plausible solution, a loud snarl came from the entrance as Thunder lunged directly for the man's throat. His knife fell to the ground as he tried to shake the panther off him falling down as well. Idris watched as the man's eyes glowed brighter and an invisible force threw Thunder off him into the wall. That was all it took for her to sling and shoot her arrow. It pierced the top of the man's ear shocking him. "Move and I'll aim for your heart and your eye," she said in a flat voice. The man was wise enough not to fidget anymore and now regarded her with renewed interest. "Where are the rest of your crew? I am not going back and you can't make me." he said. "I am not who you think I am. I saw this and came to see whether there was someone here. I did not expect to actually find somebody."
"What do you mean? What are you doing in the forest then?"
" Why do you want to know. It's not important. I live where I want."
"I've been here for six years. I've never met a human in this forest. How did you command the panther to come at me? Is it your special ability?"
" It is nearly dark. I apologize for the intrusion, we'll be on our way now. Thunder!"
" Wait! I didn't catch your name. I am Luka."
Idris didn't turn back or even acknowledge him. Luka watched as she sauntered off with Thunder right beside her to their cave.
Luka was intrigued by her. Not only did her eyes change color to silver when she fired the arrow but he was sure a human couldn't fire an arrow with that speed and precision. Aside from that, the panther with her seemed to understand and know when she was in danger, like they were connected. A link. That's what it was, the panther's soul and her's had merged. Luka couldn't help but wonder what had made the girl decide to live in the treacherous forest. For him, it was a matter of life or death that made him come into the forest. If he dared show his face in the open his head would end up in a pike.