Soft paws, covered in a velvet fur, splash softly through the shallow pool. A thousand colors and points of light reflect in the water, casting even more glittery light around the cavern. The paws halt before a small set of crystal stairs, cool and translucent in the glowing ambiance. As the paws begin to ascend the stairs, the creature that belongs to them sighs contentedly. He is lion, leopard, bird and gazelle, all at once yet none completely. He rules this domain, and of all the strange little creatures that hide among the crystals here. The stairs lead up to a smooth, cool platform, where he sits calmly, patiently, waiting. Ready to act as counselor, defender, judge, warlord, whatever title he needs. Whatever they need. Rendered in Daz Studio Iray. Postwork in Pixelmator Pro. No AI used.