Satine sat combing her dark brown hair with long elegant fingers by the lakes dark shore. Silence surrounded her as she watched the fish below, a serene smile curving her lips. Her tail curled beneath her as she waited for somebody. She knew they would come. She always knew, for they always came.

All who arrived sought peace and solitude but in that they gained wisdom and a new look on life. The lake was full of secrets and she knew them all, for she had lived here her whole life.

She was wiser then one would think, her dark brown eyes hiding things that are far beyond the reach of mortals. But she was happy to let them keep their ignorance and let them go on believing her niave of the world beyond the lake.

She called herself the Lady of the Lake. A self appointed title she told nobody, as few knew she was there in the first place thus she was free to listen to those secrets that should never have been heard by a strangers ear.

She liked her place in the world. Those who knew of her told nobody, and only came seeking help with problems for which she would give advice freely. She would also heal those who lay hurt. Those who did not know, never found out. Then again, those who did not know had heard the tales, but it was up to her whether or not they deserved to know the truth or not.

She had three forms, depending on who you were, depended on what form she would reveal herself, that is if she revealed herself at all.

(I joined since it was open. Hope you don't mind)

Sounds of silent waters running were what led the beast to the lake. His bare cloak covered only his upper body, the two long horns not hidden in the hood. Each step he made caused an imprint on the earth, forming a path leading to the Rancor. The simple-minded creature wandered endlessly that day, slightly swaying off-balance from the chaos within. With one hand he rubbed his forehead, trying to ease the pain of constant struggle and varying urges that plagued his mind.

The confusion finally got the best of him, as he was forced to kneel on one knee, the weight of the thoughts finally bringing him down. The lake was closer now, and it was this image that dominated his thoughts. The clear waters seemed to calm their thoughts, and if it was any comfort to him he used any means to take it. Trying to raise himself up, he grabbed a nearby rock, then pushed on it causing him to rise up again. Though he leaned on one leg, he walked carelessly closer to the water.

With one final push he finally reached the destination. The relaxing sounds of silence finally brought the voices at ease, a feeling he longed for ever since those humans brought the eternal pain upon him. Shaking his head violently, he tried in vain to clear his mind. Falling down, he let his hands catch the fall, making him appear as if bowing in respect towards the lake. The clear reflection of himself brought more confusion and astonishment, as thoughts of uncertainty and doubt filled his mind. The inner voices seem unaware of the ritual that took place, and their mindset has not accepted the bitter reality of being trapped forever in a beast of destruction and darkness. Letting out a small sigh, he let himself loose for the moment, trying to ease up on the tension that has taken him.

(OOC: *hugs* Not a problem!)

Satine watched the scene in silence. Her dark eyes never straying from the beasts fallen figure. She dissapeared into the water with silent grace, only a few ripples left to give away her presence. Under the water she changed form into that of her elemental and rose before the creature. She knelt beside him and layed a gentle hand upon his shoulder. Her movements like liquid as they seemed to melt with the lake around her.

She didn't smile, only looked at him with eyes as dark and as deep as the lake that shone a greeny blue. Silence held around them, nothing moved in the forests or lake as she knelt there beside him. He seemed disturbed and as self proclaimed 'Lady of the Lake' she felt compelled to sooth his pain. Shyness forgotten for the moment.

(Thanks! Sorry if it may seem confusing, he acts more on thoughts for now)

A figure rose from the lake, a creature whose eyes were as the lake, deep and dark. The form was feminine, but the figure was not of a human. His mind drifted into amazement and wonder, but none of these images helped him place the figure with a name. Even as the figure placed her hand on his shoulder, he did not flinch. Her movements were fluid, and the calmness she brought with her seems to take the weight off his shoulders. It was a comforting feeling, one he did not particularly feel often. The moment was relaxing, and if it would only last forever it would have been a good day.

But as his mind began to ease up, dark thoughts began to creep in. The image of blood and destruction began to fill his mind, and only the image of the figure being twisted and crushed seems to appear often. Afraid his thoughts might become reality, he hurriedly shook the hand from his shoulder then stood up. As if fighting some monster he began to swing his arms wildly, another battle raging from within. One side fought to keep his sanity, convincing the other that the female was of no threat. "She is no one... do not let them have their way with you!" the voices cried, as if desperate to cling to control.

In the other side another voice began to speak. "So frail, so weak... wouldn't it be fascinating to see how weak her body really is?" It was the voice of his inner self, fortified by dark thoughts and repressed motivations. Though weak in spirit, the Rancor tried vainly to make both sides go away. He spun wildly in the lake, arms clinching to his head as the struggle kept going. The scene made him look like some deranged lunatic, though it was common for a beast like himself. Though he could not convey his wishes, the Rancor wished the female no harm. If only he could hear a gentle voice, it would probably be best for him.

(OOC: Thats ok)

Satine stood back as the beast moved wildly about and watched with calm detachment. She felt the threat and the a wild disorder surrounding the poor thing. Her eyes held a soft sad light in them as the chaos of his mind screamed out through his actions.

If she could speak, she would have, but she had no voice. She was as mute as the lake, unable put into words her inner thoughts. Only through actions could both convey their wishes.

She reached out a hand to him, water dripping from it and sparkling in the soft light of the sun's rays. Her movements gentle and slow so as not to scare him or incur his anger. She felt his frustration and pain. It was wild and scattered. She ignored it, and held out her hand to him still.

He had been the one she had been waiting for. He had come seeking help, though he had not been able to fully comprehend or know it. And so she was there, braving the beasts desire to kill her, hoping he would see her hand raised towards him in a gesture conveying her desire to help him, if only he would take it and let her do so.

The voices continued to torture the poor soul, completely opposing images trying to control his very actions. The creature mindlessly swayed left and right, trying to keep his sanity intact. His movements became erratic, his feet dancing in the soft earth. Small beads of sweat began to escape the creature's huge frame, his body strained from all the movement and physical activity. The strain on his muscles caused him to shake slower, though smal shivers still made their way into his limbs, causing him to act like a small child freezing in the cold snow. It was getting difficult for him, and the unrest never ceased.

The figure before him tried to reach out, a gesture of non-agression towards the monster. Such actions provoked both despair and hatred, each forcing the monster to act out differently. The lesser evil provoked him to grab the figure and make a ragdoll out of the creature, while another enticed the Rancor into completely giving himself free, and making the creature subject to the female's care. Neither side wanted a compromise, and the creature just continued to shake furiously, unable to explain his mixed thoughts to the female.

In one final effort to cleanse his mind the creature went blank, his mind shut from the world around him. His movements ceased, his hands simply went limp and dangled freely. The creature swayed slightly from side to side, as if entranced in a lovely tune. Slowly from the depths of his mind a single soul wandered in, and in an instant the chaos was over. Trying to adjust to the new frame, the soul opened its ethereal eyes, gazing through the Rancor's strained vision and seeing the female with an outstreched hand. Trying to imitate the gesture, the monster slowly raised its left arm, in an effort to reach out to the female. It was up to her now, however she chooses to react to such a gesture.

Satine watched as he went limp and wondered at the emptiness of the body until movement became evident once more. She knew his story. It told itself in his actions. She saw it as clear as day. Not every detail though, but she had seen enough to see that his tale was full of sorrow.

She watched as the eyes of the beast cleared and she looked into them with knowing calm. She took his outstretched hand and lead him out of the water, changing as she did so into her elven form. She could see the beast was not one for the water and fearing he would go too far she took him to safety.

To do that she had had to change forms as her elven form was the only one that felt comfortable on the land, the form she had shown herself had never been so. It was rare she did this, prefering to stay in one form for each stranger that sought help upon her lake. But for this once she had known she had need to.

To approach him she had used her water element, as some part of her had known the only way to do so would have been from the lake. But now she had to save him from its dark depths and take him to land.

Her footsteps were light and as she left the water, her skin changed from the smooth blue to that of a light soft brown. Her hair grew in soft orange waves, her eyes turning to him were brown now and not the colour of the sea. Her gaze still the same and revealing that nothing but the colour had changed. Her thumb gently stroked his rough palm in silent reassurance as her dark eyes conveyed her wish to help.

(Apologies for the lateness :( )

The female responded in a gesture that seemed to soothe his troubled mind. Taking his hand, she led him out of the lake and into soft soil. During this short movement the female figure slowly began to change, its appearance adapting to the new terrain which was their setting. Her skin color and hair changed, nothing reflecting what she had before. The world was surely a strange place, as even creatures with no possible way to communicate in tongues could express such provocative acts and still recieve the intended message. The soul within was somewhat pleased, though still unsettled.

The voices soon stopped as time passed, though it could have been seconds or only a fleeting moment. The creature was calm now; his actions had stopped and his violent outbursts had ceased. He was now a sober individual, one whose appearance greatly collided with the personality that dwelled inside. Acting as if recovering from a fall, the Rancor inspected his arms and legs once more. The beast slowly grasped the feel of his rough claw-like fingers press on his hard scales, and the thick-skinned feet was somewhat of a comfort as he stoof firmly on the ground.

Now the Rancor race was not particularly known for being able to speak or even express feelings, but he was different now. Trying to let out a simple greeting, the beast emitted low groans. The physique the Rancor had was different, it was as if wearing a mask of sorts, but forcefully this time. It was a confusing time for the beast, and while he looked at himself with confusion and awe, he could only assume what the female was thinking.

Without any form of anticipation or fear, the Rancor slowly began to move his fingers, in a gesture that seems to point to somewhere. He then began to make repeated "pokes" at the female, but not touching her skin or even coming to close to any contact. The thoughts of the Rancor merely wished to know her name, though his gesture might seem to show otherwise.

Satine watched as the beast seemed to inspect himself. She saw no wounds but did nothing to prevent him, just watched him with a light curiousness as he did so.

She listened to the sounds he made and tilted her head to one side, a look of soft contemplation creasing her brow slightly. All things about her were gentle and slow. She never pushed or rushed things, only let them take their time to reveal themselves.

After careful thought she realised he was greeting her and a soft smile curved her lips in delight. Although she could not return the sound she bowed her head in acknowledgement and silent greeting of her own, her dark eyes shining with calm sincerity as she gazed at him.

He then began to make gestures with his clawed hands and once again she tilted her head slightly to one side at the puzzle. She watched carefully as he repeated the gesture and she soon caught on that he wished to know her name, although it had taken some time as he could have meant a many number of things. And yet he had not seemed to want to harm her and so she had instantly crossed off that idea.

She could only shake her head sadly though, for she could not speak her name to him and she did not know how to relate it to him so he would be able to understand. She wondered if he could read.

She walked with slow grace over to a tree and broke off a stick, returning with it in her hand, in such a way he would not see it as an indication that she wished him harm. She then began to write her name in the soft dirt by the lake. Once she had done so she looked up and pointed with the stick at the letters that spelled 'Satine', pointing to herself at the same time.

His questionable gesture seemed to have no effect, as the female simply shaked her head. It would have been absurd not to have a name, but then again even the Rancor himself never had one either. His mind seemed to respond to some name, but the problem was he could not understand either. He simply watched as the female then began to do something.

Walking over to a tree, the female figure broke off a stick. Returning with stick in hand, she began to draw lines and circles in the earth, a certain series of letters appearing as she finished. After finishing her strange ritual she then began pointing at herself, as if relaying to him that what he was looking for was on the ground.

Though naturally unable to read, the Rancor simply stared at the weird scribbles in amazement. A look of confusion began to fill his blank eyes as if trying to make things out of the scribbles. In the back of his mind, a single voice began to speak. The language was incomprehensible, but he understood perfectly, as if the voice spoke to his very soul. The voice was coarse and unrefined, but through patience the word "Satine" was heard. This was probably what the scribbles meant, and with a certain nod he acknowledged the female.

As if responding in kind, he then lifted his hand, as instructed by the voice. Why he followed without doubt was strange, but somehow the voice had control over him, and through the voice he could interact better. Using slow and deep strokes with his claw finger, he then began to spell out the name. "Nilthorak" was what the voice called out, and this was the name he would adopt. He then began to point at himself, responding to Satine's actions.

Satine smiled as he nodded in understanding, her lips curving happily as her eyes danced in delight. He then began to write in the sand and she followed his claws strokes as he spelled out the word 'Nilthorak'. He then repeated her actions, pointing to himself. Nilthorak was his name and she smiled happily.

She nodded her understanding and mouthed the word, though no sound escaped her lips, pointing to him. She tilted her head to one side and watched him with brown eyes that conveyed curiousity. She thought to herself and wondered how she was going to help him as the problem of communication was rather a big one, but she did not give up hope. She would help him. It was her place in the world. It was what she did, who she was.

A light shone in her eyes as an idea came to her. She signaled for him to follow as she turned with light footsteps and began making her way along the waters edge. She looked over her shoulder and smiled reassuringly at him and made the gesture once more. The lake lapped at her feet as if it were a child wanting to play but she ignored it. She would play later.

He was unsure as to how her response would mean, but by the appearance of her curved lips and her nod he knew she got the message exactly as he had hoped. Nilthorak let out a small grunt of relief as a small milestone in this troublesome conversation was resolved. Thoughts of them spending endless hours writing simple scribbles in the sand seemed like a complex and mind-bending task but if she was up for it he knew he had to keep with her pace. Though the task itself bared no particular interest for him, nor was he quite enthusiastic about it but if this was the only way then he had to oblige.

The female called Satine tilted her head and watched him closely, her brown eyes showing deep thought. It was confusing to interpret this gesture, and since the voices inside never really responded with ideas and actions, it was something not worth trying. As if in response to his thoughts the girl then made gestures, then began to walk along the edge of the waters. Looking over her shoulder she repeated the gesture, accompanied by a smile that seemed to comfort him somehow. The girl seemed to urge him to follow, and he began to make efforts to do so.

Arching his spiny back from the posture he placed himself in, he bended all the way to release the tensions building up inside. With a newly relaxed and prepared self, he then began to take light steps, small imprints of his bulky feet leaving a trail on the ground. He followed her exact trail, walking cautiously as if avoiding to replace her trail with his own. He would eventually reach the girl, and until then he pondered as to what Satine was up to. If this was some way to bring light to his situation it would be greatly appreciated.

Satine watched as he carefully made his way over to her and smiled. She wondered what he was afraid of but pushed it from her mind, leaving the thought unanswered.

Once he had mde it to her side she began walking again along the water's edge. She made no move to communicate further with him, just walked beside him in silent companionship. She hoped he would see that she only intended to help him.

She was taking him to a place where he would be safe and could stay if he wished to. She knew it would take some time to unravel the mystery that wrapped itself around him like a spiders silken web. And so she would do her best to make him feel welcome and at home here if he so wished to stay and let her help him.

So far he had been willing, but she knew that change was inevitable and could happen in a split second. She could only do her best and make sure that the change was good and lead to a better future.

She turned her head to study him as they walked, watching his careful movements that seemed so out of place with his towering and beastly form.

(OOC: I'm sorry this would be my last post. It's simply rude to make you wait long... so I'll make my exit post here... thanks again)

The female made little movement until his bulky frame was beside her. The idea puzzled the huge beast, as walking beside such a massive and savage brute like himself only shows signs of insanity or longing for death, both of which did not seem evident in Satine. He dismissed the horrid thoughts, and focused more on the relaxing feeling of walking beside her. She continued walking along the water's edge, and he simply followed her path.

This by far has been the most relaxing of his reborn life. The relaxing feelings and the ease in mind made a small but subtle smile appear on his disfigured face, a look that would probably never be repeated again. He was content at that particular time, and though there was a feeling of something lacking, his will wanted badly to remain locked in this state. He tried to relax his body and ease the tension building inside his muscles, and looked deep into the female's eyes, who seem to be examining his frame, or so he thinks. It was rather awkward that two completely opposite individuals would walk side by side at such a serene environment. If others were to witness such a scene, they would no doubt attack the brute to save the female beside him. Such ideas brought problems once again, and his smile withered away.

Just as he was settling to the better part of his day, a strange sensation began to overwhelm his body. He could only express sadness in his eyes as his legs began to turn, forcing him to go back the way they came. He could not express to her what is going on, that he must go. The reasons seem strange and the thoughts that appeared in his mind were incoherent, but for some reason he had to go, and not to the place she was taking him to. He could only express the sadness of leaving in his eyes, and with utmost haste began to sprint away. This moments would last forever, but obviously it was not meant for one such as himself.