Once, long ago, before the people were created, a keening wail rang over the mountains. ?Aieeeeeee,? the sorrowful weeping echoed off the distant peaks and settled into the low valleys.  Its eerie sound was filled with an unending pain and a deep longing.   The tall stalks of white maize swayed against the wind in answer to the cry. ?Aieeeeeee,? the single cry rang across the sky as the rising sun lifted above the dew covered ground.  Each droplet of moisture shone like a new crystal gem on the green blades of grass.  In the distance, the screeching cry of a hawk seemed to answer the solemn lament.  The cooing of an owl drifted through the jungle.  This cooing started a symphony of harmonic sounds from the parrots to the macaws hidden deep within the long brush of the nearby trees.  Even the quetzals, usually quiet creatures, helped by screeching out in high pitched tones. From her vantage point above the world, Jaguar Woman glanced over the new creation; she looked upward as the hawk answered her pain.  She watched its magnificent wings carry it higher into the heavens as its bird siblings rang out their melodic tones.  Feeling a deep pride for her creation, she marveled at its perfect beauty as it swooped and soared into the clouds.  However, despite its beauty, Jaguar Woman could not rejoice.  All she could do was feel the never-ending pain deep within her soul.  With a look of sorrow, she glanced down at the world in front of her.  Her gaze fell upon the tall trees nestled in the jungle, and she smelled the sweet scents of colorful flowers, and the tangy scent of mint, caressed her senses. Although she inhaled with delight, the myriad of fragrances her mother had made, she felt no peace within her heart. As if reading her thoughts, the gentle nudge of a cold nose touched her fingertips.  Jaguar Woman looked down at her beloved cats.  Rising to the level of her waist, the sleek animals pranced around her.  The smaller, sand colored cat with deep brown spots gazed up at her quizzically while the larger black feline purred and nuzzled against Jaguar Woman's thigh while circling the goddess? form.  Jaguar Woman took a moment to stroke the dark one?s head as she knelt before her most beloved animal. ?What troubles you?? the sleek black cat asked as it butted its head against hers.  Feeling her sorrow, the smaller cat moved close and rubbed against her shoulder.  Unsure of what to say, the goddess closed her eyes on the onslaught of tears and nuzzled her face against the cat?s sleek fur. ?There is so much ? so much that needs to be done, and I fear what will become of it all,? she replied, unwilling to continue. ?My Goddess,? the larger jaguar broke through her thoughts.  ?You are tired.  Come and relax; lay your head upon my body and rest from your labors.  ?Let us keep you warm.  We shall watch over you and protect you always, My Lady.?  The cat?s soft voice purred as it nuzzled against her side. With a smile, Jaguar Woman looked into the jade eyes.  The second cat laid his head over the back of his mate and gazed lovingly at the goddess.  She saw the depths of her animals? love and knew that these creatures, of all her creations, would live and die for her alone.  Faced with such love, she smiled and ran her fingers against the cat?s neck.  Reaching toward the smaller one, she smiled as he tilted his head so that she could scratch behind his ear.  These actions brought forth a loud purr that almost caused the goddess to forget her sadness.  But as she watched the cat, she was reminded that her job was not complete. At this thought, Jaguar Woman closed her eyes and reflected over what already existed and what must yet come into being.  She had created all of the animals that would inhabit her mother's world, except one.  The goddess knew, for better or worse, that she must complete the task.  With a look of regret, she glanced over the lush, fertile landscape and bit back a sob.  Nearby the Octli bush grew tall; each leaf bursting with the tasty liquid created by her mother?s hand.  A small insect could be seen burrowing into a full leaf to consume its sweet nectar.  A monkey?s scream interrupted her thoughts as it rang from the hidden folds of the trees, and tiny insects chirped in unison. ?Tell me, My Goddess, what troubles you so,? her smaller, tan cat?s purring voice questioned.  ?I promise you this, My Lady, that whatever brings you such sorrow, I shall eat!  No matter how big it is, no matter how fierce, I shall eat it so that it no longer brings your tears!? Filled with a sudden anger, Jaguar Woman rose to her full height.  With fist clenched she shot the cat a fiery look. ?You shall never fulfill such a promise unless I command it!?  Jaguar Woman?s voice was stern as the cats crouched away from her.  ?Although you are my most beloved creatures, you shall obey my laws.  Of all animals in this place, these you may never touch until the end of time when I will command you to devour them!? Purrs silenced, the jaguars cowed away and paced in slow, methodical circles.  ?I only offer to serve you, My Lady.  Please do not be angry with me, My Goddess ? my creator,? the purring voice returned as the tan cat hesitantly nudged its head against the goddess? hand.  Mirroring the male?s subservience, the black jaguar crouched to the ground and lowered her head.