As I was stroking the panther, it seemed to remind her of someone else. She lay there for a while enjoying the company until she suddenly stood up. I was startled, I jumped back a bit.  She didn't seem to want to hurt me though, rather she just remembered somewhere she was supposed to be.

That's when she looked me dead in the eyes, and changed into human form.

I did what any rational person would do. I hid

A catamount. I had never seen one. To me they were nothing but legends to the tribe. And a black one? Not even heard of. She was an odd girl, looking to be about 13 with sleek long black hair and an odd jawline probably traits rom her panther counterpart.

That's when she spoke.

"It's okay" she said

I slowly came out of my hiding spot in the bushes.

"You are a catamount?" I asked already knowing the answer.

"Yes. She said. " my name is Serafina"

"Nice. My name is Willa." I replied. Serafina was a beautiful name. I wonder if she has a twin? Ha doubt it. There's only one black panther at a Rome. Even I know that. Besides, Anifares isn't much of a name.

She looked at the sunset, lost in thought. A few seconds later she looked back at me and said

"Sorry, I have to go. See ya 'round?" She asked. I could tell she was raised by country folk.

"See ya", I replied disappearing again. I was freaking out so much, I barely noticed when she shifted back into a panther and ran of.

A real catamount? One my age? She seemed to be friendly and wanted to see me again. It was crazy. This was a legend straight up saving me and wanting to be my friend. Wow. WOW.

I wanted to follow her, to see where she lived, but I had to get home. Nathaniel was probably waiting for me back at his cabin and Iska, Inali, and Hialeah probably wanted a story before they were put to bed. Sure they were a little old for stories, but they insisted on the tales and adventures of me and my tribe before we were all split apart. They always wanted a demonstration of how I blend and sometimes even my woodwitch abilities.

As I raced back home I couldn't help but wonder why she didn't ask any questions. Was she in a hurry, or had she just seen too many odd things not to question anything. Probably both.

When I got home Nathaniel greeted me with a smile and a warm meal. I was family now.

Later that night, the other children came to my bed asking for a story like they always did. But this time, instead of another of my boring tribe, or my woodcraft, I told them of the beautiful feline catamount out in these very woods. The magnificent black panther, and how there was only ever one at a time. How she could change her form from panther to human, and how she was only around my age.

"Can we meet her?" Hialeah asked.

"Yeah! I want to see her!" Iska added in.

"Maybe. I replied. Maybe."