She Walks in Beauty {Claiming Caliber}

[Rivet]

Today was a forgiving day. Beneath the mirthless glare of the sun, crisp blossoms twisted on their stalks, buffeted by a playful breeze that sent a ripple through the golden plains. It whistled as it forced its way through rocky crevasses, the flippant notes orchestrating a peaceful symphony with the brittle, rustling grasses playing a soothing percussion. Mother Nature, for all that she had shown them the extent of her devastating power, was feeling merciful today.

But could Rivet forgive herself? The Queen cheetah strolled restlessly through the rugged terrain, testing for safe routes that could be marked. Even some of the least hazardous paths had a pebbly underfoot. One had to be careful so as not sprain an ankle. It was a challenging and tedious task, but Rivet had come to favor it as one of her better duties. She had charged herself with making up for the horrors of her past, ensuring that new generations of life should never have to experience such terror again.

It was in this intrepid crusade that she had discovered the Wardrum Plains, a place that was oddly appealing for all that is was a treacherous abode. The lass admired the way the boulders sprouted from the earth, boasting their ugly and misshapen faces with brazen boldness. Bearing the brunt of the sun's cruelty, they hardened rather than melted. It was a similar resolve that fueled the young beauty, her tenacity in the face of doubtful odds giving her a rather intimidating image of dauntlessness. Or recklessness, as some might say.

But was she really? She didn't think herself the type to rush into something without weighing her chances. So, was it foolish of her, then, to be considering claiming this land for herself? Her intentions of providing a safe haven for others had evolved from clearing paths through this unforgiving land into thoughts of turning it into a pride territory. Obsidian ears pitched to and fro as she paused in her pacing, emerald gaze sweeping over the expansive flats.

Only animals of the highest caliber could hope to survive here. At least, on their own anyways. But what if they were to join together? Unite toward a common cause? They would be a peaceful society, for all that they had to be tough to satisfy their daily needs. Was it possible? Would other felines heed her mission and give her the respect she so obviously deserved? Such deep thoughts were becoming tangled with doubts in her busy mind.

It was a risky move, and no doubt just as bold and boastful as this very territory itself. But then, what did Rivet have to lose? She had fought so hard, against herself and all odds, all to obtain... what? Respect? Recognition? Yet, who could recognize what they could not see? No, she had to prove herself to more than just these empty borders. Somewhere out there were individuals with every bit as much will to live as she herself. They needed only a nudge in the right direction.

She bolted, a whirlwind of fur on 70 mile per hour paws, every fiber of her being devoted to this new mission. The Queen would pause every now and then to rub against stones, trees, and shrubs, staining them with her intoxicating scent and coating them with her golden fur. Sometimes, she would sink her claws into a tree's tender flesh, stretching luxuriously and purring her pleasure as she kneaded the bark into a clear sign: this is my land.

When she'd finished, Rivet lounged on a relatively flat-faced boulder, paws crossed primly over the edge, her head held at maximum height atop a flawlessly straight neck. Her image was as befitting of a monarch as her demeanor. And, with satisfaction at her cause, she would chirp and chuff as cheetahs are known to do, appealing to any ear that would listen and beseeching any heart that sought victory.

She walks in beauty, like the night
of cloudless climes and starry skies,
and all that's best of dark and bright
meets in her aspect and her eyes.