For each has the other's heart.

Consider this parallel: The tigress and her trainer.

She walks in circles around him, prowling, purring, playfully attacking. Her muscles ripple underneath her glossy flank; there is enough in her to rip apart a man. She manipulates him without a sound - she knows that she is spell-binding, awe-inspiring, magnificent. Almost seductive. She orbits him, her eyes trained on his signals.

The trainer watches her in silence, ever alert and conscious - conscious that he is fascinated by this queen. He does not attempt to disguise the visible effect she has on him, but is surprisingly adept at dodging her blows. He rotates on his axis, his eyes never leaving hers. They are wonderfully attuned to each other, both predicting the other's moves and seemingly enjoying the game, if that's what you can call it. The air crackles with an understanding between beast and man.

For all her power, strength and agility, the trainer possesses the ability to subdue her. He is able to control her temperament, contain her wild energy when such measures are required. He may only be faintly aware of the immense influence he has over her, but he can see that her world revolves around him. Instinct drives them both to revere and respect the other.

For each has the other's heart.


-Maia-