Legend of the Great Cat

[xxWhisperingWindsxx]

[FONT="Trebuchet MS"][COLOR="PaleGreen"]Many moons ago in the ancient forests, there lived a great and wise old cat.

Many of the small forest creatures would come, seeking him out, wanting his wisdom.

For he was a quiet and patient cat, much like Charcoal, and had learned a great many things in his years watching over the forests.

But in time he grew restless.  He had prowled through every tree and bush in his forest and knew there was no more to find.

He called to him a cat of each kind.  The lion, the panther, the jaguar, the tiger, even the small cats

"Friends and companions.  I grow restless in my woods here.  So I have a challenge for you.  I wish to find a new home.  I send you, my trusted cats to find a new home"

The cats were excited.  For they too had grown restless and bored.  The ancient forests, while providing a lush and beautiful home, had nothing new for them.

And so to the four winds they travelled.  Each seeking a place they thought the Great Cat would like.

To the great plains and savannahs went the lion.  Pulled by the open land and blue skies.

"This is the place!" The lion thought.  "Boundless plains, filled with game, and soft rolling hills to lie upon.  The Great Cat will be happy here."

And so he made his home there, sending up his great roar for the Great Cat to hear.

The panther and the jaguar both found forests.  But realizing that one forest was not enough for both of them, agreed to part ways.

To the east forests went the Panther.  "Here!  The Great Cat will like these trees.  There is trees that provide birds, trees that can be rested in, and trees that change color"

And so the Panther made his home in the East Forests, sending up his Panther scream for the Great Cat to hear and follow.

To the West Forests went the Jaguar.  "Here!  There are warm trees, exotic birds, and funny little animals.  I think the Great Cat will like it here.  There is much to keep him amused"

And so he made his home in the West Forests, sending up his Jaguar cry for the Great Cat to hear.

To the Southern jungles that bordered small plains went the Tiger.  

"Oh yes!  I have found the best place.  There are trees to hide and sleep in.  Small fields to hunt in.  Sun and shade both.  I have found paradise."

And so he sent his Tiger call up to the Great Cat.  Hoping that Great Cat would make that his home.

And the small cats.  They spread even further, finding homes amongst the towns and villages.

And in each village they found, they each thought the same.  "We have found the best places!  There are mice to hunt.  Warm fires to curl up by.  People to take care of us.  We have found much"

And so the sent up their small quiet meows and purrs.  Small happy voices to grace the Great Cat's ears.

From his home in the Ancient Forests, the Great Cat heard their voices and their calls.  Paying heed to them all.

"My cats are wise.  They have each found homes that suit them best.  I do not think I shall make any one place my home.  Instead I will make all of them my home."

"I will visit them all, spending time with each, learning what I can from them all"

And that is how we came to have different cats in all the parts of our world.  Sent out by the Great Cat to find the best home for each of them.

Each blessed by the visiting Great Cat himself.[/COLOR][/FONT]