"I've heard it said,
That people come into our lives,
For a reason, bringing something we must learn,
And we are led,
To those, who'd help us most to grow,
If we let them, and then we help them in return.

Well, I don't know if I believe that's true,
But I know I'm who I am today, because I knew you.

Like a comet pulled from orbit,
As it passes a sun.
Like a stream that meets a boulder,
Halfway through the wood.
Who can say if I've been changed for the better, but...

Because I knew you,
I have been changed... For good."
- "For Good," Wicked (Song Link)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Until recently, this was going to be yet another ref sheet for another character or potential fursona. However, anyone who's seen one of my most recent journals knows that I finally realized who "home" is for me, my lioness chakat, Cloudwalker. It's taken some time to get here, to a fursona I'm comfortable with, to a form that I can automatically feel myself in and see myself as, and along the way, I've made a number of friends who've not only helped me figure things out, but have also given me strength and advice, helped me open up a little and get involved in the community.

 enmesarra, back when I was using my Questing Beast, Gwen, you and your bunny shaman Etch helped me open up to people, showed me there were good people in this community that are kind and compassionate, who are willing to guide a newbie like me through getting their feet wet in the furry fandom. I know, we don't get to talk that much, but you're still one of my oldest friends here in the fandom, and for that, I thank you.

 laurenrivers, to be honest, I kinda envied you during our talks. You knew that your zebra was you, and that unshakeable sense of comfort in your fursona was something I wished I had. Now that I've found it in Cloudwalker, I don't know how to express the sense of rightness in it, and wonder if this is the same for you with your fursona. Your talent as a writer and world-builder never ceases to amaze as well, and I hope that I can get there some day myself ^^. Thank you for being an inspiration to keep me striving towards this point, and thank you for listening when I need to vent some ideas from my head for possible fursona forms up to this point XD.

 justanotherweirdguy, one of my dearest and closest friends I've made in the fandom to date. My soul sister, whether you're Narysa, Olivia, Anastasia, or whomever you decide to be among your army of fursonas, I'm so happy I took a chance and RP'd that transformation with you that one day. What started as a fun TF into wolves evolved into a friendship that's helped me through some tough times, and words cannot express how grateful I am to you for being there for me. I'll always treasure our friendship, dear.

 blackpaw_bp, thank you for making Cloudwalker possible. You reminded me of my love for taur-forms and my interest in chakats, helped me realize that it's okay to like something some other members of the fandom might not find appealing, and that what matters is that it's something I like and enjoy. You held my hand through introducing myself to the FAChakats Discord group, helped me get to know some people, encouraged me to open up and have fun, provided me with a sounding board for my story as part of the Chakona Space Universe, and most important of all, were a friend when I needed it. I'm so lucky to have you as a friend, and even moreso as a companion.

And last but not least,  furrystang, Talia, one of my first denmates as a chakat. You have been a friend, a confidant, an open ear to my troubles, and so much more. While I may have jumped the gun a little in accepting your and Blizzy's proposal to become denmates, I'm happy to say that it was a choice I wouldn't take back for the world. Your friendship and compassion have done loads to help me open up as a member of FAChakats, and as a part of this community. Your puns made me laugh, your kind gestures made me smile, and just being able to chat with you has helped me in tough times. I'm so glad that I met you.

There's so many other people I wish I could've fit on here- my other denmate  chakatblizzardmane, my buddy  apollo18x, etcetera- but since this was commissioned around the holiday rush, I had to stick with what I'd originally submitted for the ref sheet, for the sake of my budget XD. Still, I absolutely adore how this turned out, and want to thank  scissorsrunner for her incredible work in making this happen. You guys should definitely check her out if you haven't already, her art's incredible. Be sure to check out the original piece, here.

Again, thank you to everyone who I've mentioned and who I've met so far in the furry fandom for your kindness and your acceptance of a weirdo like me. It means the world to me, and I'm happy to be a part of this craziness .

Cloudwalker belongs to me,  corinthalexander. DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION.

Chakat Blackpaw belongs to  blackpaw_bp.

Narysa the Draco-wolf belongs to  justanotherweirdguy.

Chakat Talia Wolfger belongs to  furrystang.

Lauren the Zebra belongs to  laurenrivers.

Enmesarra the Kirin belongs to  enmesarra.