Mehk and Itna

Itna's Story

        One day, in a small desert village, near the middle of nowhere, a small cheetah cub was born. Her parents were in poverty and knew things would be difficult for her, but they couldn't help feeling happy as they held her. "Her name will be Itna Leita," her mother smiled. Itna was a purple cheetah with blue spots. Her hair was a beautiful shade of red and her eyes were silver with dark specks. As she grew, she had a natural gift for the healing arts. She instinctively knew what was wrong and what needed to be done to help.

        While most kids played hopscotch, she learned anatomy. While they played house, she crafted herbal tonics and remedies. Most of the people in the village adored her, but her friends were numbered. The other children stayed away and ignored her whenever possible. Yet, she was happy with her life. She had all she could ask for. As she got older, she began helping people in the poor part of the village, free of cost. Soon, word spread of her talents.

        One day, she was called to the home of their village's leader who had gotten hurt. It had been suggested to call upon the child for help, rather than the previous healer. Suddenly, as Itna was tending to the injuries, a loud alarm sounded, filling the town. "The village is under attack..." The leader said, rising. "We must hide you. Follow me," she took the hand of the small cheetah, walking to a small closet. "Stay here and don't come out until I'm back." Shutting the door, she ran off.

        Itna froze, the color leaving her face. "Mom! Dad!" She burst from the closet. Making her way through the back paths of the town, she came upon her house. She barely noticed the front door, shattered and lying to the side of the entryway. Itna darted inside, glancing around desperately. Making her way to their room her eyes rested on the two bloody figures, sprawled across the bed. She ran over to them, checking for a pulse. When she found nothing, she tirelessly tried to revive them, tears rushing down her face. She tried anything and everything she could think of. Hours passed and the sun sunk below the horizon, covering the town in dark shadows.

        Finally, Itna collapsed from exhaustion, lying next to the still corpses of her parents. The previous healer stumbled upon her, seeing she was still alive and picked her up. She gathered up supplies, weapons, and anything she thought the kit might need to survive and took her into the vast desert. Leaving her far from the village, she prayed for her survival.

        When Itna awoke, she knew nothing of her past. Her young mind had blocked out the traumatic experience and it was as if her life had just began. She got together all the supplies she could and set off through the desert. Soon after, she found a small oasis. She set up a camp and went back for the rest of the supplies.

        After settling in, she took a deep breath. This was to be her home for many years to come. And as the years passed, Itna still knew nothing of her village, or what had happened there. She just spent her time tending to the oasis and finding ways to pass the time.