the wrong leap [open!]

[Deleted]

» A sweet, melodic song filled the air, full of tantilizing promise. Promises of peace, of joy. Lysania's heart began to weep. Completely without her volition her paws began to carry her toward the source of that beautiful song. For some reason, the landscape was empty. No, not empty. Non-existent. Grey nothingness extended around the young wolf, stretching away in an endless void into an endless void. Suddenly color appeared. Grey, yes, but also blue and green, a wild, constantly -changing expanse of thundering water. Lys stood on a cliff, staring down at the waves that sang so sweetly to her. For a moment she longed to leap. Then she turned back toward the void. Instantly she felt herself grasped by a hugely powerful force, massive orange and red tentacles encircling her torso with deadly force. The tone of the singing suddenly took a turn. Now there was no choice in the matter, she was being dragged down into the cloying water. Desperately she scrabbled at the air, trying vainly to escape from the behemoth's unyielding grasp. Water flooded her nose and mouth, cutting off her breath as she struggled to pull air into her burning lungs -  » Lys choked on thick mud, gagging at the earthy taste that invaded her mouth, flushing the briney remnants of her nightmare from her mind. While she slept the relentless fall rains had weakened her improvised den beneath the protruding roots of a large tree, causing thick globs of mud to and on her face as she thrashed in her sleep. Come to think of it, all that thrashing probably hadn't really helped the integrity of the den either. miserably the young black and orange mottled wolf pulled herself out of her partially collapsed den. Even though the sun was obscured by both the thick canopy of vegetation above and the light smattering of rain drops that managed to filter through to the earth below, Lysania could surmise by the deep exhaustion that she felt so deep in her bones that she only managed a few hours sleep at best. She had hoped escaping into the interior island away from the endless rhythm of the sea pounding against the shore, not to mention the prying eyes of the shamans, would ease her dreams. Alas, the dream had reoccurred with the same regularity that it always did. Always it was the same. Yet Lys feared that some day she would not need to be dragged to the ocean floor by the monster. Some day she would gladly leap. That day, thankfully, was not this day. This day was your normal rainy day on a tropical island in paradise. Hey, there's always a bright side. For Lysania, her bright side was her home. Sharktooth Island and the Stormbourne pack were everything to her. For an orphan, even the most standoffish of the wolves made an excellent family, and the lush surroundings meant her stomach was almost always full. Right on cue her stomach sent out a harsh growl, reminding her of just how long ago that crab had been. With a sigh the young wolf finished picking herself out of the mud, shaking the thick globs out of her coat and onto the surrounding tree trunks. Leisurely she slid her paws out in front of her, unkinking every vertebrae in her spine with a satisfying pop. She was a fine specimen of a wolf, long-legged and quick with a rippling, if lean, layer of muscle flowing under her mottled coat. While she would have been to small to take down larger, mainland prey like an elk, she was the perfect size for snapping up the lightning quick lemurs that were the main food source on the island. » Unfortunately for her, all of her earlier yelping and thrashing had done nothing but scare away all of the prey. That was the problem with those little primates, they were just to intelligent. Well, that should be easily fixed. She caught prey on this island every single day! Lysania set out through the forest,  keeping her paw steps light. While she was fast, she was more of a sprinter than a stayer, so it was essential that she sneak incredibly close to her prey before ambushing it. Again, it was easy to see the different hunting tactics from the mainland wolves. Here it simply made more sense to hunt alone - you made less noise that way. Carefully she slunk through the forest, keeping close to the shadows cast by the trees. Rain dribbled down her tan face, matting the majority of her thick ruff of fur to her body. Steadfastly she ignored it, trying to concentrate only on the smells that were in the air. There! A musky odor suddenly floated before her black nose, alerting her that a shaggy orange lemur had ventured out of the safety of the trees. Where before she had been stealthy, now she was invisible. The little primate was rummaging around in the mast on the forest floor, seeking some kind of food. Well, that made two of them. It would almost certainly leap for the trees as soon as she made her move, but if she could leap at the same time, she might be able to catch it at just the right moment. The she-wolf tensed for a mere moment and then leaped. Her large jaws snapped at the air, just barely missing the lemur's tail. Lys' paws scrabbled at the air, realizing slowly that the ground just wasn't where it was supposed to be. Oh great. She had leapt right into a shallow ravine. A conveniently  placed pile of vegetable mass broke her fall, but she still felt pretty bruised. Glumly she once again struggled out of a pile of mud and vegetation, dripping vines, leaves, and mud."Drat," she muttered under her breath. At least no one had seen her spectacular failure.

[Deleted]

Chiyo

Life was a fickle little thing. It was given to the new and then it was taken from the old. That reality was not something that could be ignored, and tail swished irritably behind her this time around. His paws shoved into the ground, and the annoyance licked up along her spine. She was getting old, she had seen too many years of this place and it had proved to be ruthless upon her. Once upon a time, the old wolf had left and what had she discovered? Love and peace, that had been what. Coming home had been a choice that had been necessary, but ultimately it had been one that had taken her heart of hearts away from her. That was not something that could be forgiven, not truly.

Eyes peered curiously to the noise that broke the treeline. It was like someone was attempting to hang themselves with the vine, and as the female noted the patch of oddity leaves - her mental note was stored away. Yes, she would simply send Adria after them. For now, there was something to be investigated. There was nothing that pulled her away properly, so she wandered herself forward until she grumbled. It was impossible, and she found herself wanting to laugh. Ah, for as quiet as the island was, it never ceased to amaze her with the changes that occurred.

Seeing the little ones she had nurtured grow up twisted her heart in many ways. It proved a struggle to focus on the happily ever after when she had lost so much, but somehow she managed. While her body swayed, the salt and pepper she wolf proved that she had once been a beauty. There was a swagger of confidence that no years of war had dimmed in her. She was proud, and she was loyal. Her Nightbane was the King of her world; she loved him as if he was a favourite son who could do no wrong, if only he realized how precious he was to her.

The sigh rolled off Chiyo's lips as she found her eyes pinned on another lost soul that had been offered up to her care. Her eyes lingered on Lysania, and her mouth quirked at the side. It was another soul that was plagued by the realities, and her head cocked to the side as she watched the foolish display that bubbled up. It was hard not to ignore, and her tail swished from one side to the other with irritation. As a seeker, upgraded by the gracious powers that be - her Nightbane, and the little female was expected to be powerful.

It was why when she finally spoke, the words bubbled out of her mouth in an almost squawk. "Lys," Curt voice addressed merrily, "You look lovely playing in the mud - you used to remember to go to the beach with an adult after to wash up, though." Jaws snapped soundlessly, mocking the creatures that might have been hunting the wolves. Oh, they would have snapped up the sweet little pup without a second thought, "Precious, what male is going to mate you covered in that? It'll trap you and him, and males are frightened enough commitment as it is."

[Kenren]

@caribou @vixen

SMALL POWERPLAY lemme know if you want me to change it, Vixen

TOBIAS && EZEKIUS

Ezekius didn't know if he'd ever get used to the hushed air surrounding him wherever he went, though he'd dealt with it for over two years now. Perhaps, in effect, he just didn't feel worthy of the respect in the down-turned gazes, nor the pedestal upon which he and his brother had been placed. They'd done their part, and really nothing more. He didn't feel like that should make him respected, really, or - even worse - feared. The slightly leaner male looked sidelong at the pale-toned wolf beside him, the face that mirrored his own in all but expression. It hurt his heart still to see the distrust in some of those eyes, pointed at the brother that had never been anything but protective and loyal. That was what had broken him, really - he'd been too protective for his own good. 'He thought me too weak to handle it,' Ezekius thought, not for the first time. He had no resentment for that, of course. He just wished his brother hadn't taken the burden to keep him safe. Maybe, if he'd shared the incredible pain, things might have turned out differently.

Ezekius shook his head a little, irritated with himself. Rain always put him in a gloomy, pensive mood, taking his mind back to things that were pretty useless to think on, such a long time later. When he looked over again, Tobias was giving him a rather accusing look, and Zeke had the decency to look ruefully ashamed. They didn't really have to share words over the matter - it was a long-term debate, mostly Tobias telling Ezekius that he deserved to be looked at in fear and Ezekius telling him that the truth was nothing of the sort. Instead of pushing on it now, they both turned their attention to other things. They continued jogging on, both patrolling and just getting out a little despite the rain. Neither of them enjoyed being cooped up.

Suddenly smiling, Ezekius moved sideways, bumping his brother's shoulder lightly.
"Did you hear Chiyo's started in on Atervis getting an heir?"

Tobias rolled his eyes. "As if he doesn't have other things to worry about."

Ezekius agreed, but he would never tell the old woman as much. Their lives, and Atervis', were different from your everyday male's. They had enough people to protect as it was, and pups would only complicate the matter. Their attention was best served on their tasks, not worrying over a lover and children.

"Speak and the Gods will hear," Tobias said suddenly after a few minutes of silence, and a moment later Ezekius heard what he was talking about. The old woman's voice traveled to them through the undergrowth, and the way Tobias slowed, Ezekius knew he meant to turn tail and go the other way. Ezekius reached out quickly, grabbing his brother's ear in his teeth and tugging before letting go. "If you don't come, I'm going to tell her you were scared." The glare that earned him was enough to melt ice, but Ezekius acted as if he hadn't seen anything, pushing through to where Chiyo and Lysania were talking. Ezekius sent a wink in the younger wolf's direction, pitying her the woman's attention. As annoying as she was, though, Chiyo had a good heart, and Ezekius enjoyed her. He noticed the fact Lysania was covered in mud, but if he had to hazard a guess, that's exactly what Chiyo had been talking to her about. He stayed quiet about it.

He walked up to the older woman, licking her forehead without much ceremony. "Chiyo, you're looking even more stunning than usual." Which was ridiculous, given all four of them were drenched. Tobias lingered to the outskirts of the group, looking for all the world as bored as could be.

Made by Lati of GS and PRE

[Deleted]

»Lysania carefully finished extracting herself from the branches thick branches of the convenient bush she had managed to land on. It would hae been a lot more convenient if it hadn't been a thorn bush. The black and orange wolf grumbled as she pulled herself clear of the mess, leaving behind little bits of fur and skin. That bush wasn't going down easy. It was, of course, the distraction from the pain that prevented her from noticing one of the oldest wolves in the pack sneaking up on her. Chiyo was the head of the shamans and had supervised her raising, although most of the more affectionate tasks handed been handed off to the more subordinate wolves. No, Chiyo wasn't the type of wolf you took your hurts and embarrassing stories too. Not unless you wanted to be laughed at anyway. She was literally the last wolf in the pack Lys wanted coming across her in this type of situation. Even the sound of her name in that sharp, disapproving tone prompted a puppy-like yelp of surprise as she spun around to face the older wolf. At her sarcastic remark Lys actually relaxed a little. Chiyo wouldn't have started a real scolding so amicably. "I remember those days Chiyo! I also remember when you used to be quick enough to chase after me at the beach." The wolf glanced down at her admittedly filthy coat, "I guess both of us aren't quite what we used to be." For a moment Lys wondered what her own mother would have been like if she had lived. Few would speak of her to Lys, so she had only a shadow of a wolf on which to base a personality. Would she have played in the waves with her pup? Or shown her all the secrets of the rock pools? Of course, Lys had experienced these things, but it was more often tagging along at the heels of older wolves who were less impressed than she. Well, there was nothing wrong at all with being the most excited creature in the group. Lys though it was quite an accomplishment in fact. » Even the thought of male wolves looking at her for mating purposes still made Lys droop her head in embarrassment. not that she hadn't though of it before. She had actually dreamed and wished and wondered endlessly on the subject, as young females of every species tend to do. The population of wolves on Sharktooth Island were limited to say the least, and most of them were older than Lysania. And those who were older than Lysania had likely been warriors who fought against Shadaowbane. How could she even hope to be attractive to males of that stature? They had seen blood and glory, what interest would they have in some silly little girl who couldn't even catch her own lemur. No, her crushes were destined to remain just  that, unrequited, secret, loves. "No man is every even going to get close enough to get stuck in the mud. Even if one wanted to, where would I find him?" Some horrible fate was listening to closely to her words. It was like the pack had heard the circus was in town in the form of one Lysenia. Gather round, one and all, to see the fool antics of the fool wolf!" There wasn't much she could do about all the mud, buy Lys plastered a smile across her face and perked her ears up as the two brothers entered the clearing. Ezekius and Tobias were two of the greatest heroes of the Stormbourne Pack. They were awesome. Lys could barely contain the fangirl reaction that swept over her when Ezekius actually winked at her. He winked at her! She sprang out of the remainder of the muck, finally standing on firm ground. Her slightly large ears focused on Ezek, desperate for a compliment like the one that had bestowed upon Chiyo. But no, what would he say? You're looking just as goofy as always? Quick, what was something clever she could say? her brain scrambled desperately for something quick and witty. Didn't guys like witty girls?"And you look so splendid you could be a parrot! er.. twin parrots!" What? What what what? Parrots? And why did she always forget Tobias? Admittedly he was standing several feet away partially shrouded by trees, but they were twins and technically equally handsome. Technically. To cover her embarrassment, Lys leaped energetically over to the older she-wolf's side, taking up a pseudo-guard position. Maybe if she acted like she was busy keeping watch chiyo would just do most of the talking.

[Deleted]

Chiyo

The old wolf managed to look stern, even while the amusement hid in her features. Oh, once upon a time, long before she had been brought into Artie's life, she had been that foolish. Only in private, and she would scavenge the area long before doing something ridiculous. Tail swished from one side to the other, and she managed not to mock the female. There was definitely a need for the world to understand that any female could be desirable, as long as she put her head in the proper game. That was the problem with her Nightbane - he saw almost all females at their worst. Cowering and fawning over him like he was a piece of meat.

The little female who had come to their island in the post world of war was filled with doubt. Mouth curved down and the struggle was evident in her features, trying not to make a comment. Lys was just a foolish little girl yet, but it was time that she realized there was something more for her into the world. There was no need for her to think she was incapable, but Chiyo hid the criticism. Things could always be improved. There was a reason why she had ventured into the water and made the crossing to the island that was far more vast than their home. She had felt like there was nothing here for her back then.

Before she could respond with a sharp comeback that had formed in her mind, eyes trailed to the set of twins that had appeared. The female looked delighted, straightening her posture and softening her expression. It was not the same that was warranted for Nightbane, but she welcomed any male to her company with a warmth. She was a female after all, and in her day, she had been a seductive, proper little beauty. Never covered in mud, unless it was all in fun with the males she humoured. Zeke approached as boldly as always, and her muzzle reached out to greet his shoulder with his greeting. "Zeke, you and Tobi always warm the sight of my old frozen heart." Strong words slipped off her lips, knowing there was nothing more important in the world than keeping her family together.

Her eyes shined up at the male, and she preened at him, "Even if you are a liar, dear one. I look like a drowned rat, and your muscular body looks more ravishing than ever, so much that if I was younger..." Eyes glanced over to Lys with a pointed look. Then her head tossed lightly, and she brushed past the male, heading for his twin. His watchful, shy twin who had never quite managed to learn how to handle her. Silly boy! If only he would have realized that it was the sole reason she focused on him.

"Tobi," Her head dipped respectfully, even as when it lifted her tail came up along with it haughtily. Her eyes shimmered with mirth, and she attempted not to get into his space. "I've missed you, darling, it's been so long since you've come to visit." The female tutted briskly, curving her body in a half moon arch as she raked her eyes over him, offering a delighted smile. "Staying out of trouble, are we my handsome beast?" Purring words chimed in the air, "It pleases me so, but I wish you would still spend time with me anyway, you and your brother... You make me feel capable of being loved again." Her words were fierce, the note of loss in her voice.

But it never lingered, any vulnerability was too frightening. So she spun around carefully, and peered at Lysania with a cheerful look. "This is the kind of male you'd make do to have in your den, little girl, he's moody but he is fierce... not the flirt out Zeke is. He's someone you could love bite."

ooc:|| Kenren @caribou
Let the Chiyo games begin! ^^

[Kenren]

@caribou @vixen

--

TOBIAS && EZEKIUS

Chiyo was as receptive to Zeke's attentions as ever, and the blurted words spoken by Lysania made a laugh bubble unbidden from his throat. He looked down at himself wryly, completely oblivious to her discomfort. "I'm a pretty poor excuse for a parrot. Look at me, all drab and colorless. And Tobi doesn't speak nearly enough to be called that." He would have said more, but Chiyo drew his attention - like a child prodding a bear, she had inevitably found her way to Tobias, and Zeke went quickly to Lysania's side, whispering "This could be fun."

Tobias glared at his traitor of a brother as the old woman approached him, though he made no move to leave. She wound around in front of him in her cattish way, eyes and voice oblivious of her aging body. "Staying out of trouble, are we my handsome beast?" He said nothing to that or anything else she said, hoping that if he just ignored her she'd go away. Of course, that logic was beyond flawed. "It pleases me so, but I wish you would still spend time with me anyway, you and your brother... You make me feel capable of being loved again." Anger flared in the warrior's gut, sharp words sitting at the tip of his tongue. He was not her toy. He was not an object she could use to relive her glory days. But he felt Ezekius' eyes on him, and he said nothing, suffering through his own rising emotions.

But then her eyes had turned away, back toward the younger wolf. "This is the kind of male you'd make do to have in your den, little girl, he's moody but he is fierce... not the flirt out Zeke is. He's someone you could love bite." Now his anger did truly rise, and not even Zeke's presence could stop him this time. "She wants nothing of the sort. And I don't want her there, either, so don't start pushing your ridiculous matchmaking on me." He didn't mean to have such heat in his voice, but he didn't care that it was there, either. Only he, and perhaps Zeke, knew that anger came from fear rather than embarrassment or something of that nature. He might have continued, but suddenly Zeke was there, in front of him, looking at him with mirrored eyes. "That's enough," he said quietly, and Tobi's anger dissipated almost immediately. He shifted uncomfortably, then looked away, face taking on that bored, unreadable expression once again. Zeke knew Chiyo could handle herself, but he looked across at Lysania. "He didn't mean that the way you're probably taking it - he just doesn't want any girl in his den." Not that that was really any secret. Even those that didn't know him knew that Tobias didn't take lovers. There was all sorts of speculation, of course, but the truth of it was Tobias' own darkness.

Suddenly frowning, Zeke looked at Chiyo. "And who are you calling a flirt? I'm just friendly. I'm harmless." To punctuate his words and ease the tension, he rolled playfully onto his back in front of the older wolf, tail tucked. He reached up a paw, trying to bat lightly at her muzzle. "Haaarmless."

Made by Lati of GS and PRE

[Deleted]

» Luckily for Lys, Chiyo provided a big enough distraction for sea lions to take over the island. Her little parrot remark was largely ignored by everbody. Except Zeke, of course, but he was so kind he would speak to anyone. The handsome grey wolf was even stepping closer to her, leaning in to give her a wink and whisper something in her ear. To be honest, Lys didn't even hear what he said. The close proximity of him was just too much to handle and blood was thundering through her ears. The she-wolf looked down shyly and gave a small smile in response, but her mind was already full of the courtship that was soon to come. One day, not to far away, Ezekius would show up at her den with a raggedy clump of flowers and proclaim his love. They would spend the day together laughing, frolicking in the meadows, and telling each other all of their secrets. Next would come a den over-flowing with pups that tumbled about between their feet. Maybe they could name their first pup after her mother? Even the idea of such a perfect life with a perfect wolf like Ezekius - he was a Mercy, after all! Was enough to make the young she-wolf sigh longingly. Eventually though what he had said finally managed to fight its way through her fantasies and penetrate her brain. Uh oh. It wasn't very often that someone tried to taut, let alone talk to, Tobias. It never really turned out well. Lysania admired the older wolf - he had fought in the war and freed them from tyranny and now he served his island in a role any wolf would be proud of. But still.. There was something so disturbing about the way his face seemed so emotionless. He never even looked mad or sad. Just there, like that was the only option left to him. As Chiyo continued to pester the wolf Lysania shrunk unconsciously closer to his brother, eyes widening slightly in fear. Chiyo didn't even seem to notice the anger boiling up in the wolf. » Oh no, now she was bringing Lys into it! Shocked, she began to shake her head and opened her mouth to deny interest in wanting to bother Tobias so much. There were few male wolves on the island that Lysania did not harbor at leas a few feelings for, but for Tobias all she felt was fearful respect. She would be honored, of course, if here were to choose her as his mate, he had all of the qualities Chiyo was listing so annoyingly, but here was one boy she wasn't sure she'd really want at all. "She wants nothing of the sort. And I don't want her there, either, so don't start pushing your ridiculous matchmaking on me." Even though Lysania had literally just been thinking that she wouldn't want to mate with Tobias, his blunt, angry words were still hurtful. For a young female who things she has no prospects, being told someone doesn't want her is just about the worst thing that could happen. A small cry of pain was forced almost inaudibly from her throat as she felt her hopes die a little harder. If Tobias didn't want her than his brother certainly wouldn't either. » Her little fantasy popped and left her back in her real bleak world. This was a world where no one really loved the orphan that had been forced on them. This was a world where she had no one, not even a bad brother like Tobias, to curl up with when she was sad. Misery leaked out of her every pore for a minute. Perhaps the ocean that called to her in her dreams was right - it really would be better down there. Zeke was suddenly in front of his brother, protecting her from his wrath just like he would any other wolf on the island. It was a brief moment of respite, but Lysania used it to force a smile onto her face. At Ezekius' conciliatory words Lys forced herself to let out a short laugh, trying desperately to hide the sorrow that lent an edge of roughness to the sound. "Oh, who would want to live with such a grumpy old walrus?" Pointedly she turned away from Tobias, focusing back on Ezekius - who quickly prompted a much more genuine laugh from her as he rolled on his back and batted at Chiyo's nose. "You're much more fun anyway!" Embarrassment ran through the she-wolf in a quick wave as she realized what she had said. If she just looked shay again he would think she was an idiot! Laughing louder she bounded around behind Chiyo, snapping ever-so gently at the air around the older she-wolves tail. "Yeah Chiyo, I'm the real vicious one you have to watch out for!" Lysania wondered if all pups played like this with their siblings and parents.

[Deleted]

Chiyo

Head tipped to the side, her eyes peering at the male who she knew was bothered by her. Oh, she embraced any wolf; especially any male. Her heart clenched in reminder that it had been a long time since she had seen Tobias any other way, than the cold and standoffish wolf that attempted to avoid her at any cost. Her head lowered faintly, and her eyes steadied themselves on his chest as he snapped at her. Well then, there was not much fun to be had with his mood today, was there? If only he realized that fueled the female on more strongly.

Somehow the old wolf managed not to bristle when her words were met with the dismissive look in Lys’s eyes, and the what she assumed was fear-based anger from the wolf beside her. Her head turned and she peered at the pair of them, fighting away the huff that would have proved she cared too much. There was no need to be insulting over Tobias; just because he was not charming and forthright; the mere fact that Zeke was not well in the mind to pay attention to her Lys’s near drooling attitude was just the way to strike him off the list of potential suitors.


She waited until his anger had died away, and she stepped closer to him while Zeke went about on his damage control, as per the course. The lingered note in her eyes of curiosity died away, "Tobias, you best smarten up that mouth.” Her words were crisp, her tail slashed behind her irritability, but her head raised back up, "I know more about you than you would ever wish I knew. And I still love you just as you are, you sour old grump.” Her brutish words were fierce, even as she watched the communication go on between the brothers. That was the only reassurance that she was not going to be turned on more, but she would have handled herself. There was a reason she had lived so long, even if age dragged her toward the ground a little more every day.

When her attention returned to the friendlier reception, the old she-wolf relaxed significantly and snorted. Her teeth snapped idly at the paw coming for her nose, even as she cackled and shifted faintly away from pestering Tobias. "Friendly? Is that what you call it now, young wolf?” Words purred out of her lips, and she tossed her head lightly. Even as she gazed down at him, the hint of apology flashed in her eyes. When she bumped her nose on his paw this time around, the old wolf sighed. "You're going to break all the hearts on this island, and then you’ll have to leave to keep searching for someone who can keep up with you.“ Firm words were meant to be playful, but something bothered her enough to know she could likely end up right.

When was the last time she had seen the male actually notice anyone? The mere thought plagued her mind as she crawled through the history idly in her mind, before turning her head and offering a stern, but playful look across her features. "Oh, I know you’re trouble, Lys. You almost brought me to my death bed a dozen times already.” Mocking words were tinted with a bit of warmth, even as she swayed her tail more, attempting to hit the girl’s features. "At least I can control your pesky trouble seeking nature. These boys have always escaped my grasp.”

Sympathetic eyes turned her way back to Tobias, it was almost inevitable. "Not that I mind.” Her words were slight, brittle in her thoughts. She stared at the male bluntly, offering a slight wolfish grin as she neared him again and gently reached out to bump his shoulder with her nose. "My boys are welcomed to keep their secrets from me.” Her eyes were stern again when she raised them, "As long as they don’t eat them alive.”

Head turned back over her shoulder, peering at Lys. "Unlike you, dear, who’ll simply be so heart broken at the end of your trials. It’ll make you stronger, but it will burn.” Words were not meant to be hurtful, but the honesty in her eyes startled herself. What? Chiyo giving out warnings? What nonsense was this?




ooc:|| Kenren @caribou

[Kenren]

@caribou @vixen

--

TOBIAS && EZEKIUS

Lysania's words were defensive and definitely understandable under the situation, but they still made Zeke sad. Tobias didn't care what anyone thought of him, and Zeke knew that it wouldn't bother him, but moments like these made the male's heart hurt. He wished Tobias cared. He wished others loved him. He wished he'd let them love him. All he wanted was for his brother to be happy.

While Tobias didn't care about Lysania brushing him off, Chiyo's words made him feel sick. "I know more about you than you would ever wish I knew. And I still love you just as you are, you sour old grump." Worse than those that admired him without knowing his sins were those that did know. Ezekius was one thing - his brother had been through so much with him - but he didn't want anyone to know about him. Or pity him. He just wanted to do his job and for the rest of them to leave him alone. And so he ignored the woman's words, despite the way they unsettled him.

Zeke successfully brought the attention to himself and Lysania jumped in as well. Chiyo gave him a warning about his flirtatious nature, but it didn't bother him in the slightest. He had Tobias to keep his attention and Atervis to serve, and so simply flirting and playing around was plenty for him. He didn't know if he had more room than that in his heart. Ezekius rolled away again, standing and shaking dirt from his coat, but there was still a smile on his face as Chiyo berated the other female. Then she turned her attention to him again. "At least I can control your pesky trouble seeking nature. These boys have always escaped my grasp." Zeke grinned wolfishly, giving a playful bow as if accepting a complement. Then she turned her attention to Tobias again, who was doing a rather good impression of a rock as he sat there.

"Not that I mind." Tobias flicked his eyes to hers, but didn't respond. He hated the pity she felt for him. "My boys are welcomed to keep their secrets from me. As long as they don’t eat them alive." Tobias didn't know why he was feeling so irritable, but he was finished with her barely-veiled allusions to his past. He couldn't help that Chiyo knew whatever she knew, but Lysania was there as well and he didn't need the younger girl asking questions. It wasn't a secret, perhaps - most had heard of battles he'd been in, or of his problem with bloodlust - but he felt that Chiyo knew some of his true secrets. Of the atrocities he'd committed. He stood abruptly, turning from the group. "I'm going to patrol," he said shortly, and Zeke let him go. He was glad - he wanted to be alone, at least for a little while.

Ezekius nodded, expression light, but that same bit of pain still twisted his heart. He turned to the ladies, a small smile on his lips. "I hope you know he doesn't mean any harm. He's just... very private. He can be pleasant if someone could stay away from certain topics." The look he gave Chiyo was amused, not angry. He knew the woman did it on purpose, and he didn't have a reason to berate her. He knew it was Tobias' attitude that spurred her on, and he'd told him as much - unfortunately, Tobias couldn't do much about it. He turned to Lys, leaning close and pulling two leaves from the top of her head with his teeth. "You handled him well, I must say. I've seen many a maiden burst into tears from his harsh words. Give him a chance, though. You'll see he's not so bad."

Made by Lati of GS and PRE