Well, I was wanting to draw an owa (pronounced "oh-vah".) so the readers could see what one looks like. Since Nawele (pronounced "nah-vay-lay".) is an actual character in the novel, I made a character sheet for her. :) So, here is an owa, Kavua's top predator. However, Nawele is a more domesticated owa, being rescued and cared for by Lai when she was a cub. I love her hunched neck. Owa are kind of like hyena/jaguar crosses. :) Owa are generally a bit brighter in color, however, Nawele is an older gal so she's a bit more faded.

The fact that only one view of her is shaded/highlighted is intentional, however, I hope it doesn't look lazy. Either way, here is the sweet, protective Nawele, who is more curious than anything. Lai, Chief Shaman of the Kavuan tribe, speaks of how Nawele represents the power of female intuition and the female spirit, in general.

Facts about owa:
1. Owa are not native to only Kavua. There are found on all continents of Xelaros and there are many subspecies of owa.
2. Owa are the most feared predators on Kavua and are, obviously, carnivorous. However, they rarely bother the Kavuan tribe.
3. Owa stand 4 feet high at the shoulder and are 6 feet in length.
4. Owa can run up to 45 mph.
5. Female owa have a shorter, thinner man which runs along the top of their neck. Male owa have a fluffier, thicker man, which also runs along the tops of their neck but also extends on the sides of the neck into the chest and stops at the abdomen.
6. Male owa are highly dedicated to their young and do a large part of parenting.
7. Owa mate for life.
8. Owa can be found on the ground and high up in the canopy of the Kavuan rainforest.

Nawele, Xelaros & Art © S. Henson 2007