Vainglory had always been the charming one and Istas the kind one. For whatever reason, the world took kindly to them. Others trusted them, spoke with them and saw them as sentient creatures. For that same reason, it often seemed to shun me. I do not know why but words do not come easily; charm, kindness, acceptance. They are all difficult. At times, they are unobtainable. Each time I come close to them, they step aside. It is that fact that makes me hesitant to get closer to her. It is hard to remember that just because I desire to be near her does not mean she does not desire to be near me. It is a familiar feeling and yet... much stronger. It is like a ceaseless knot. It twists like sickness in my belly. It feels as if my anxieties are at the back of my skull scratching their way out with jagged claws. If she were to turn away from me, I feel as if it would all break out. Why is this terror such a thing? Is it hidden? Can I hide it behind a blank face with eyes as lack lustre as my own? The quieter she stays, the louder my heart thumps against the walls of my chest.
When she speaks, it feels as if my blood pools at my paws. My breath comes out quietly in a sigh - relief, thankfulness. As she speaks, I turn back towards the carcass and watch the others surrounding it. Many of them seem to be less concerned with it and more with one another. Others are simple idly by or passing with but a glance. I suppose it does look interesting. Taviora has taken down elks before but to die naturally is another thing entirely - as naturally as possible, at least. It is not a common sight. Perhaps it tastes different.
"Perhaps its age deceives us. The others... they do not seem to be touching it. Not... much, at least."
I observe the fact simply, though my stomach betrays me with a cautious growl of hunger. I am not sure if I am hungry because my body desires it or if because she does. I observe the others in quiet, my eyes narrowing as I speculate some way to get them to leave. If they go, then the elk will be ours - hers, at least. If she desires the entire thing then my stomach can wait. It is not like hunger is not something I am used to. During my time hiding, I was often famished, filled only with my own company. So far I cannot think of a way and my ears twist back in defeat. I am not big enough to scare them away. My tongue is not silver enough to talk them away. Perhaps they will take pity upon me. That... could work, I suppose.
Her words summon me once more and I turn immediately. My gaze instantly rests upon the scar across her flesh, puckered skin where fur tries its luck once more. I cannot help but watch this place closely, judging whoever had tended to her. They have done well, perhaps, but I am sure I could have done better. I could have stopped the pain sooner... I'm sure of it. I cannot help but flatten my ears back - it is not just the thought of her in pain that distresses me but rather, why I care so much. What is it about her? I suppose her comment on Angels does not help. I know them well and yet I do not. There are kind ones, yes, but I do not forget what they did to my mother... to my father. I remember their blood. I remember my mother crawling covered in crimson and dirt; my father's tail twisted and ruined. Perhaps the way I bite down on my teeth gives it away.
"Not one... of them. Opposite, perhaps, but... not quite."
I pause, frowning to myself in an effort to somehow put it butter. I know she is of Iromar and yet, I am afraid that she has come to take me back like Nakki had. Is that why I was afraid? Was it working? If it was, perhaps it was better this way. Nonetheless, my head tilts as I move to question her this time. I am content where I am, slowly making a move to be seated, hoping she will not step away or command me not to do so.
"You are... Iromar? Your fur. Are you from Andras? I remember him... but no daughters of his."
Not truly, at least. I knew he had one, Siren, but she has been in Taviora with the others - with Sen. She was not a daughter now from what I knew, or at least, she did not wish to be perhaps. But this girl? She is new. If she had been in Iromar before, I would not have left I am sure.
wraith
image & html by lz