Post by Victor Adelai on Jun 27, 2010 23:30:51 GMT -8
The throat clearing behind me cause a tensing of my shoulder.
"You're grinding your teeth again," the voice says. The regal ring tells me it's Carries-The-Burden. There is flash of anger that he dare suggest I might be wasting energy in such a frivolous way. Fortunately, the impulse is quashed in time for me to realize that he is right. And judging from the muscle fatigue, has been going on for quite some time.
I exhale a soothing breath and nod. Play dumb, the white man never expects much from the People.
"Thank you, Ivan. I hadn't noticed," I say quietly. Speaking low was non-threatening, I'd been told. "What brings you?"
There is a moment of quiet broken by the rustling of papers. He was referencing something; a fastidious note-taker.
"I had Natalia go over some papers, and Issaquah looks to be the best place for us. She's in the process of purchasing some buildings. Brings-The-O," he says with only a slight hint of disgust. He was getting better. "Has been told to begin cajoling local spirits to see whats in the area. Still no word from our scout."
I shrug, "Lupus are easily distracted."
The Fang at my back grunts assent before continuing, "I spoke with Wilhelm yesterday. I believe he will be a valuable ally. A... treasure."
Something in the way his crystalline voice carries the note causes me to turn and appraise the Beta. For a long moment I watch him, brow furrow. But he is not forthcoming with any further enlightenment. A worthy ally, perhaps, but one embraces the Wyrmbringers only once they have proven themselves. A lesson hard won...
I straighten and close my eyes once more in quiet mediation, attempting to sooth the inferno boiling beneath the surface. Sitting patiently amid so many had been taxing and exhilarating in equal measure. No human could sit in my presence without squirming in terror. None. Only in Gaea's Chosen did I find looks without fear or hatred. Tolerating and protecting the invaders was a small price to pay for acceptance. One collects warriors and allies where they can, I had come to know.
"If you say he is a friend, he is a friend, Ivan. I trust your judgment completely," I am still a little surprised to find that statement to be true. Little Brother would never approve of such an accepting view. But then, Little Brother had lost much and gained precious little wisdom from it.
"I'm glad to hear it," the Fang said, his tone indicating just a hair of relief. I suppose I had earned that hesitancy. "And I'm glad to see you making your own friends."
I can feel my teeth grinding again. It takes a moment to sooth my muscles to stillness again. My Beta leaves quietly, but I can still hear his parting chuckles.
Bastard.
"You're grinding your teeth again," the voice says. The regal ring tells me it's Carries-The-Burden. There is flash of anger that he dare suggest I might be wasting energy in such a frivolous way. Fortunately, the impulse is quashed in time for me to realize that he is right. And judging from the muscle fatigue, has been going on for quite some time.
I exhale a soothing breath and nod. Play dumb, the white man never expects much from the People.
"Thank you, Ivan. I hadn't noticed," I say quietly. Speaking low was non-threatening, I'd been told. "What brings you?"
There is a moment of quiet broken by the rustling of papers. He was referencing something; a fastidious note-taker.
"I had Natalia go over some papers, and Issaquah looks to be the best place for us. She's in the process of purchasing some buildings. Brings-The-O," he says with only a slight hint of disgust. He was getting better. "Has been told to begin cajoling local spirits to see whats in the area. Still no word from our scout."
I shrug, "Lupus are easily distracted."
The Fang at my back grunts assent before continuing, "I spoke with Wilhelm yesterday. I believe he will be a valuable ally. A... treasure."
Something in the way his crystalline voice carries the note causes me to turn and appraise the Beta. For a long moment I watch him, brow furrow. But he is not forthcoming with any further enlightenment. A worthy ally, perhaps, but one embraces the Wyrmbringers only once they have proven themselves. A lesson hard won...
I straighten and close my eyes once more in quiet mediation, attempting to sooth the inferno boiling beneath the surface. Sitting patiently amid so many had been taxing and exhilarating in equal measure. No human could sit in my presence without squirming in terror. None. Only in Gaea's Chosen did I find looks without fear or hatred. Tolerating and protecting the invaders was a small price to pay for acceptance. One collects warriors and allies where they can, I had come to know.
"If you say he is a friend, he is a friend, Ivan. I trust your judgment completely," I am still a little surprised to find that statement to be true. Little Brother would never approve of such an accepting view. But then, Little Brother had lost much and gained precious little wisdom from it.
"I'm glad to hear it," the Fang said, his tone indicating just a hair of relief. I suppose I had earned that hesitancy. "And I'm glad to see you making your own friends."
I can feel my teeth grinding again. It takes a moment to sooth my muscles to stillness again. My Beta leaves quietly, but I can still hear his parting chuckles.
Bastard.
Welcome!))