Lyila  (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=67248.msg2984146#msg2984146) had only been in the sanctuary for a matter of weeks but none had to for long before the scence of something needing to give became obvious.<br/><br/>Were's of one kind didn't necessarily get along with their own kin let alone the kin of other weres. Already some fights had broken out - enough for those of the same type to effectively own different areas. Still some places that were effectively used by all existed and thankfully the place around water was one of them. All know if any tried to make that their territory the mermaids would stop being allies and now all needed whatever allies were possible.<br/><br/>The winged sorceress had never regretted the ritual to sacrifice were-abilities to complement her witchery until now. Sure her magic was strong but her powers concerned changing bodies and the form of life - magic that took time. Others about her could probably throw lightning from their fingertips and those that couldn't wouldn't need to.<br/><br/>All about her weres changed form at whim, and te beasts they formed into were not things like rabbits or cows. They were the nastiest of the nasty in bigger leaner forms than their natural counterparts.<br/><br/>Most knew of her and that was the problem. None had actively sort to fight or kill her but she had overhead jokes about trading her in for the off chance of others being given another chance.  Lyila (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=67248.msg2984146#msg2984146)'s lips pursed and assumed a habit which calmed her nerves.<br/><br/>Gemstones were needed for the remarkable permanent changes her magic could manage and performing the vain changes the humans desired got her plenty. She had some jewelry on her form, bracelets necklaces and the like but using those gems would be a last resort - more like an emergency cache. Her velvet bag was her true treasure ...<br/><br/>When she felt she was in a corner of the woods safe from prying eyes  Lyila  (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=67248.msg2984146#msg2984146) tipped them onto a flat rock nearby and admired their workmanship<br/><br/>While she had gems she had a lot of options, if cornered, ones she could offer to prevent their theft, fight or worse.<br/><br/>Luckily changes to plants didn't need gems to change but needed time instead. More for her own needs she had changed several trees into forms that gave off more fruit nuts or nectar, but was far too exhausted to do more at the moment. To per day was all she could manage and that wasn't enough for this lot. Those who noticed usually lingered near the trees and others that cottoned on soon joined them - food was becoming scarce.<br/><br/>The melodic sound of a flute met Lyila's ears, and instantly she scooped up the gems into the bag and had it tucked firmly in her attire before getting back on her feet.<br/><br/>The sound of singing and music from inhuman hands and voices occasionally released the tension and after  Lyila  (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=67248.msg2984146#msg2984146) stop being startled, closed her eyes to enjoy it. One minute passed then another. There a state of calmness. Gosh music does a lot.... Now for water.  Lyila  (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=67248.msg2984146#msg2984146) had not drunk in what seemed like an eternity, and those tree-ceremonies really did make one loose a lot. Carefully fearfully the sorceress made her way to the water edge.<br/><br/>Hopefully yelling "Im a healer" could stop any attacking her ... hopefully.<br/>Even the walk to fresh water felt troublesome now.<br/><br/><br/>