The prince is different than what I had expected, certainly. I'd never imagined he would have come to me with some kind of task in mind. I am not used to my company being desired, and especially not sought out. He alone is the first to approach me voluntarily and for that, he has won over my curiosity.
The first to come is a pale boy, and I am not sure how I feel on the matter. Much is spoken of Iromar, but never that they are simply wolves like any other - white, brown and black. Still, I am amused by the child's attitude as he struts forward, declaring that it is I who smells strange. I find myself grinning slightly, my head tilting as I allow Solaris to answer the boy's question. For now, let them believe me to be but a mute, but a dumb boy who had escorted the king to them. All I do is nod in acknowledgement, in my own little greeting as my eyes sweep between the two. Solaris is straight to the point and this is something I appreciate - still, we will see how far he goes without unveiling his inner thoughts. The prince of Iromar is who he wants but I'm sure I'm not the only one asking why now.
I was about to open my mouth to speak when a disembodied voice came from the mists - my ears shot up, my body stiffening as I attempted to find the wolf in which it came from. Of course, Iromar is much better to hide in then the thickets of Diveen - if there is another wolf out there then surely he is brilliant at using the mists. It is rare for me to admit such things but I am jealous as I sweep over the landscape, my eyes narrowing in frustration. Where we stand, we are but beacons to the entirety of the pack but they have the upper hand. I am even more aware of this when another boy comes forward - he is but pure white, with eyes much like my Grandfather, Heyel. My attention is instantly drawn to him as he speaks, and I once more smile - this time broader, darker. He calls me an Angel and I finally break my silence to laugh quietly beneath my breath. I am not an Angel, mother ensures I know this. I bare no Mark and yet, my blood is much greater than that. Of course, they do not need to know such things. Let them think as they do - the more layers of fallacy I am hidden beneath, the better.
"I wish to see this gator you speak of."
It is all I say, my eyes meeting this Vainglory's with mild excitement. Yes, if he has control over such beasts, I wish to see one up close and in the living flesh. Of course, I also desire to break it open - for it is merely a large lizard - but we do not have them in Diveen. Forget the prince for a moment, Solaris. It doesn't even cross my mind that the boy in front of us is playing a lying game but even if I knew, I am inclined to think that I would simply play along with it. It is one of my favourite games, after all.
Then, laughter. Feminine and obnoxious. I stiffened momentarily, feeling a growl reverberate from my chest. Such a sound had come from behind us and I swung around to find the image of some dark female loping forward, already babbling away. Why had she followed us? Did she expect me to be pleased that she had come uninvited? I am in no way pleased, I will make sure she knows that. To get a word in though is seemingly impossible and I have to shake my head in frustration before she finally silences. Leave here and go somewhere to play? Our families hate one another? Perhaps her nobody family does but I am inclined to believe my mother does not care, that I do not care. Blood makes you nobody. You are not born with malice already labeled upon you. She is like that Emry boy who believes himself to be unique for he was born from wolves of rank. My blood may be perfect but I inherited nothing from it. Just as I will need to gain my own respect, these children too will need of gain my hate. Of course I remain silent on the matter. I merely stare the girl down before I finally speak.
"You were not invited. I do not want to play with you. This is not a game, puerum."
I call her a child for that is entirely what she is. Perhaps we are all still going by numerical means but I wish not to be included under such a title.
Child. It implies weakness, a lack of understanding. To play is to bounce around so aimlessly - she does not even wish to test who is the strongest or the fastest. Instead, it seems she wishes to test Iromar for soon enough she is bouncing over the border and touching wolves she does not know. I move closer to Solaris, throwing him a sharp glance before I speak to him, hoping that even those that do not understand my words can at least understand my tone.
"Faxienf illam statur. Quĉ est transgrediatur."
Make her stop, I tell him through clenched teeth, that is intruding. It is a brief display of annoyance before I return to being composed, for truly I hardly care if she is taken or not. It will simply be of great annoyance to me if my mother is forced to come here to try and bargain for the return of a - how do they say? - brat. A brat that is soon trying to hide behind me. I side step, removing myself from in front of her while staring ahead at the other children, clearly unamused. I will not hide her. I will not cover for her. I am here to satisfy my curiosity and to escort Solaris, not to make friends unless I so deem it. I will not be told who is "it" or what to do by a child.
E D E N
i won't say the lord's prayer,
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