What's a Familiar?

How leadership fell into the hands of three heartbroken men, Zebah will never know. However, it is safe to say it was something he would never regret—especially if it meant he'd meet two of his closest friends. Along with the two of them, they created a group that would be later known for sparking war and chaos.

Three heartbroken individuals, full of remorse, regret, and grief.

Despite this, most of the members—Zebah noticed—tended to overlook Korah.

Korah, with many braids in his hair and an odd glimmer in his blue eyes, was human. Or so, Zebah initially thought when they first met.

During the war, there were many witnesses of Korah using magic. Spells, potions, runes, aplenty—all from the air and nature itself. When asked, Korah replied that he was simply a witch.

And that was that. Now that both villages seemed to work together to rebuild and restore relationships, the three of them decided to leave off on a journey (with others that decided to join along).

Of course, as their friend Sigurd was a follower of Raini, they had to make a quick stop at the now somewhat ruined church. They bid their greetings to the new head priest, a young entertainer Noxiie only a few years into adulthood—the youngest Zebah's ever seen to be appointed. The head priest gives a smile, body trembling and eyes full of grief—earning a small pang of sympathy from the army.

After watching Sigurd, a cervitaur, give his prayers to the altar, they were all on their way.

Korah's story was tragic, and unlike his or Sigurd's lover—Korah's beloved was dead. Despite the grief in his eyes, they still had a mischievous sparkle—one that when combined with Sigurd's rare antics left Zebah sporting a good headache.

Still, they all appreciated the companionship during emotionally troubling times.

It was a month into traveling when Zebah discovered more about Korah—which started when he had an encounter with a black cat after a successful hung for breakfast. Its fur was as dark as night, save for a white splotch on the chest and icy blue eyes that seem vaguely familiar. It had a long snout unlike most cats he's seen and large ears.

The way the feline held itself was majestic in a way. Regal and bold like a ruler of a kingdom. It held its chest-high as if with pride as it watched him pass.

Zebah wondered if this was some stray cat that had wandered far into the wilderness. Or if it was some species of cat he had yet to encounter.

Surely, if he asked Korah, the witch would have answers. He oddly knew just about every breed, every species of the feline family. Though when he did ask, his witch friend only had a glimmer in his eye and said that it was a Kellas cat.

"They were thought of as witches according to humans," he mused, "they are elusive and rare."

Zebah thought he'd never see the cat again.

He was wrong when he saw it during battle. Ferocious and hissing, despite its small size--it packed a terrible claw to any enemies it set its eyes on. Even then, it was overpowered by mightier foes. Zebah rushed in to scoop the cat into his arms, slashing at a centaur with his dagger before booking a retreat.

When everyone retreated back to camp, they could not find Korah. Zebah and Sigurd were quick to search for their close friend. The army Noxiie pleaded to whatever deity was out there.

Please. Please. Please!

Please, don't take him from this world!

No sign of the witch with sharp blue eyes, he and Sigurd went back to camp—somber.

Imagine their shock to find Korah rushing in to hug them with numerous apologies. After a tearful reunion, they were quick to check and send away the witch to tend to his wounds. Zebah quietly notes the eerily similar injuries to the Kellas cat.

Speaking of, he didn't think he saw it anywhere.

 

"I was the Kellas cat."

Oh.

"So you're a shapeshifter of some kind," Sigurd asked, arms crossed.

Korah shook his head, "I'm a witch."

"But I don't think witches turn into cats," Zebah frowned, "they do have cat familiars, though."

"I'm a type of witch," Korah clarified, "a Cat-Sìth. I did mention that they were rumored to be witches and some of them are."

"So you turn into a cat?"

"Yep. Only nine times though."

"...so what happens if you do?" Zebah couldn't help the apprehension leaking into his tone.

The witch gives a sad smile.

"Well...that's one way to die, I suppose."