I remain distant from the story session at first. I’ve never been in a large crowd before, and it makes me anxious. I need to fit in with them. But what would happen if they began to argue? I don’t know. I suppose I would be forced to choose a side; I would side with Thoth. I don’t like getting on my brother’s bad side. After I make up my mind, I tentatively come closer to the all of the puppies. My eyes strain with attempting to track all of the activity! I pick up on names being exchanged but can’t truly notice all of the activity because my attention is so divided. I list the names in my head: Vesta, Abel, Masque. There are two that don’t introduce themselves. One greets Vesta and the other plays with Masque. And then there is my brother, Thoth, who has never spoken, and bristles silently by our father.

I pause my advance when my father begins the story, my nervousness forgotten. I am a good ways away, but his deep voice reaches my attentive ears and I hang on every word. He is all knowing, after all, I intend to learn all the wisdom he chooses to share. I am distressed by the beginning of this story. Warring, battle, bloodlust were all associations I make as he describes the male the leading lady falls for. Why? Why would someone so gentle decide to love such a monstrosity? I glance brief to Thoth. Oh. I suppose I understand it some. Thoth is not bloodlusting nor capable of war, I don’t think, but he is antagonistic. Still, I love him… most of the time - except when he decides to sleep in my spot next to Papa.

I return my attention to father a moment later, following the line of the story with flickering, orange and blue eyes while I attempt to learn the lesson he was trying to teach us. Another chance, but not another choice? I don’t understand Fate. My brow furrows into tiny wrinkles as I attempt to make sense of the tale. Then, Abel excitedly asks questions.

I turn my eyes to him, distracted from my thoughts. His questions spark in me the idea that Fate had tricked them somehow… And perhaps it’s then that I understand. One can’t beat fate or life, so they must have been manipulated by them. It was true the female retrieved her love, but it was at a cost. A soul had been bound to her. He, the epitome of battle of madness, was tethered to her like a slave. His entire identity was forfeit, if the lady of love chose it for him.

A pit developes in my stomach - I think it is a type of mourning. But at the same time, I am obsessed with idea. Was their one in this world I would have that type of power over? Being small and light, I never thought that would be an option for me. I think I like the idea; if there was one I could always count on… I would love him always even if I steal from him his past and future. My eyes are distracted from Abel when I see a shadow stalking around the gathering. I glare at the sneaky puppy, and then move closer to my father. She reminds me of a snake, and I would rather eat a snake than try to follow one.

Glancing up at Samhain, I ask him softly continuing the questions Abel asked of him, ”Did the mad male remain broken?”