The absence of winter has the adolescent feeling at a loss. for it seemed only in winter did everything just seem to fall quiet, the flutter of life was silenced by bitter cold. Unlike spring, for even within the comfort of his den can he hear the songs of the birds. A lazy snarl escapes his lips, large paws moving to shield his ears as he groans as if in pain. For with spring came life and to the boy who wanted nothing more than to be alone, well that was certainly a problem. A rasped and muffled chuckle reaches his ears as one sunset eye peeks over. The collision against the orange has his heart automatically pounding, anger at being mocked at as his lips seems to twitch only to stop as a large heavy sigh escapes him. Mother. She who has the power to smooth over his rage while also making it raise like fire. Today was not the latter and so his slumbering body merely rolls absently into the warmth of her plush as he looks at her with soften sunset eyes. Enjoying in this brief moment of silence. No anger, no questions, just feeling.

It is as he lays so near to her that he remembers just what today is, not that it truly mattered to him. Yet he remembers the last gathering and the rage his mother expressed after escorting his sisters back. The curiosity of just what they had been doing has his instincts on edge and so with a grunt he rises from his mothers side, moving towards the dens entrance with a departing low and rasped rumble. Ears perking at the one in reply, glancing back briefly at his mother before exiting the den.

Large paws sink into the soil with ease beneath his weight, the slow and casual pace his body knows so well guiding him down towards the borders where it had been told this gathering would take place. A low and rasped rumble escapes him at the possibility of a crowd and the doubt at even attending is there. He was not good around others, disliked all the noise and such. Yet there is a instinctual pull that tugs at him, as if the possibility of discovering something more. He had not forgotten the looks upon both Semele and Lailah's faces, something had changed for them after attending, could that change for him as well? A chilling growl is all that is voiced at the fleeting thought.

As he comes closer to the spot, he scents the air for those that were already near. At only noticing two scents his head is turned slightly, confusion evident in this act. For had not his sisters spoke loudly of how many had attended the last? When now only two had yet to gather? Lips twitch with unease, gleaming fangs shining brightly. Hard sunset eyes linger over the land as he seems to almost stomp stubbornly closer. Ears perk at the voices as he finally gains enough distant to see them. Two girls. One who smells of mountains and the other is unknown. Briefly does he allow sunset eyes to glance over them in haste, a twitch of his lips as he grunts within their presence. announcing and dismissing himself all in one act.

He knew this was a silly idea, but the promise for perhaps more keeps from truly leaving. He isn't sure exactly why he stays, only that his feet seem to deny him. For he served no true purpose here, for he felt no desire to know them. It was nothing cruel in the thought, perhaps it was simply because they would never understand him like his own family. He is the minority among them, all dark and rage against their bliss and light. Collecting himself along the far edge, plenty of distance separating him yet still keeping in the loop. He would stay for a little while, only long enough to see all the fuss this was about or until he was driven mad by all the noise. As he finally takes a seat a low growl of disapproval humming from his lips like a song... a very grumpy song.

everett

THE SAINT WITHIN THE SINNER