q u i e t . t h o u g h t --- (Eve&Open)

[Dementre]

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GIVE US THIS DAILY DOSE OF FAUX AFFLICTION
F O R G I V E O U R S I N S
FORGED AT THE PULPIT WITH FORKED TONGUES SELLING FAUX SERMONS
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Leviticus ?!

Leviticus honestly didn’t know what had brought him here. There was no reason for him to be trekking through the snow, heading for the river that was surely frozen over by now. But, his weary paws propelled him forward, his dappled-gray fur not quite light enough to make him meld with the color of the newly-fallen snow. He tried to blink away his blurry vision, but to no avail. Such a gesture had become a habit since he had found that he was slowly going blind. He could see less and less with every passing day. It was saddening, as if he needed anything more of that sort. His face remained emotionless as his paws kicked out tufts of snow, the cold barely bothering him with his thick winter coat at full length. He stood stock still as something moved beside him, and he strained his ears to listen. A mound of snow fell to the ground with a muffled thud that drifted over the trees with an odd gentleness. He exhaled slightly, glad that it had been of no ill intent. He pressed onward, suddenly finding himself staring down at his blurry reflection in the ice that had overtaken the river.

It had always amazed him since becoming a wolf to be able to look into a reflective surface and see a rather proud, yet broken, brute staring back at him. His eyes, once the deepest pools of emerald, were now dull with his coming blindness. He was a bit gray around his muzzle, but simply because of the amount of stress that had been so suddenly dropped on his shoulders when he had been bitten. He looked rather skinny at the moment, even with his winter coat, and it was obvious that he hadn’t been eating properly. His face was thin, and he looked completely exhausted. The wind rustled his fur, and he breathed a sigh, closing his eyes and collapsing into the snow, shifting a bit to move it from around him. He exhaled roughly, sending little flakes of snow flying off away from him. Though, he couldn’t see them.

If it weren’t for the fact that he was on guard, he would have been asleep by now. The snow was comforting, the cold barely penetrating his thick fur. He had always loved the snow, for it had always reminded him of his wife. Though, even after what happened, and he had grown to resent everything that reminded him of her, he could not hate the snow. For, after the snow, there would always be spring. He knew, however, that he would not be able to see the wondrous colors and beauties of spring. His eyesight would be long-gone by then, and he had been deeply troubled when he had learned this fact. He was a careful thinker, and liked to plan ahead. He figured that he would lose his vision around the first or second week of spring.

He simply hoped he could be of some use to the Loyalists once it went. He didn’t like to feel useless, and it had seemed to be that way for quite some time now. Leviticus sighed, contemplating God, just as he had done many times since he was bitten. He no longer believed in God, no aspect of him. Not The Father, The Son, or the Holy Spirit. That simple trinity he had taught for so long no longer held any meaning for him. He had turned his back on God, and didn’t plan on going back. He sighed, opening his eyes and gazing up at the clouds, no more than white blurs in his irises. For now, at least, his mind was empty.

[Evelyn{{]

[atrb=width,500,true][atrb=border,0,true][bg=666666] How is it that a woman can have everything she wants -- well, excluding a loving husband -- and it all be taken away from her? It's infuriating. Frankly, if I ever find the wolf that did this to me, I'll kill him. Ok, so I probably wouldn't kill necissarilly. As these things ran through my mind, I watched the clouds cross the sky. These days there was nothing to do. No revolt to deal with. Of course, that mongrel Coheed surely still existed, but he wasn't anywhere near, and that's all that mattered to me at the time. A scent crossed my senses and I turned to glance in it's general direction of origin. I recognised the scent, a little. I knew, of course, that it was a male, and not a rogue. He didn't have that scent of wild that rogues carried. Also, he didn't have the scent of realness that naturally born wolves had. So, I had reason to believe that he was of human beginnings, and one of the queen's own. It made me smile everytime it was brought to my immediate attention that I was not alone. For all I knew, this wolfman could've had everything he ever wanted as a human too, and it was all forcibly taken from him. For a few moments I followed my nares, coming ever closer to the scent of another. When he came into my sight, I was fairly certain I knew his name: Leviticus. It was my duty as a duchess of the loyalists to know everyone. Well, at least be on speaking terms with them, especially since my Lady didn't quite enjoy the company of a male. It was a shame, but she would never be talked out of it, and this was a fact I accepted. I aproached the male slowly and from the front, for, if memory served correct, he was going blind. "Hello..." My voice was soft, my tone neutral. I had no reason to act hostile. Hopefully, he wouldn't either. Vaguely, I wondered what his social class had been as a human. Not mine, most likely. My kind were obvious. The hold of their head, the general distaste for the dirt, something. A smile crossed my features; I was only being friendly. Gingerly, with class, I gathered my haunches under my bodice and relaxed back into a sitting position. My gaze lingered upon his frame, waiting a response. tags:: Leviticus words:: too lazy to count. muse:: barely decent sounds:: everything... other:: sorry it's so short... =/

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[Isabella]

[bg=000000][atrb=width,499,true][atrb=border,0,true] The Queen had been in the area already and had successfully killed a large male hare when two scents were cast her way. She was surprised to smell them not only because of how many wolves had disappeared since Coheed had disturbed the peace, but because she had assumed no one to be around. Though Isabella had the tendency to be too hard on her, this one time she understood that wolves were not perfectionists at all times. With the wind mainly blowing in the opposite direction of her nose, she only caught the presence of others when it meagerly shifted. Head now perked to attention and auds erect, she listened intently for voices or the sound of a fight; both a good warning to what she would be getting in to. The fae planned on approaching the two wolves – if they were together – and was hopeful that they were Loyalists. The idea of leaving her partially de-furred rabbit behind was not in her favour however. Thus with youthful vigor she grasped the deceased animal firmly by the neck – almost in the same choke hold she had killed it with – and trotted fiercely down the river side before verging into the main flow. Bella paused mid-step many times, ensuring that she was heading in the right direction and then on the right trail once she caught a masculine stench. The musk caused her to grimace, not particularly fond of men as a human though more naturally getting along with them than females. As a wolf such characteristics pursued her, but her distaste for a male-lead hierarchy caused her some displeasure for both genders now. The Queen considered her position hopeless. Another pause and the femme scent a familiar, feminine odor which provoked her to whine in excitement and quicken her pace. Isabella wasn’t sure but she recalled a female by the name of Evelyn who was her constant companion while under the care of The Royals. The old Queen referred to her as ‘the babysitter’ but Bella knew better than that; Evelyn was a protector. Sure Evelyn did her duties and made sure the future queen didn’t get into trouble – much to Bella’s displeasure – but Eve’s demeanor and tense posture always spoke of caution. Now that Isabella knew about Coheed and witnessed everything that had gone on, she knew why. Still trotting elegantly – though the rabbit flopping between her jaws subtracted from that – Isabella quickly came upon Evelyn and an unfamiliar male. Evelyn seemed to have aged a little since she had last seen her but still looked otherwise the same, and the male… well, he seemed in poor shape. A natural observer, Bella took in the brute’s slightly petite stature and malnourished body. This satisfied her that the rabbit had not been brought for nothing, because Bella had been obviously feeding herself quite well in the past months. A muffled bark announced her presence before jumping the lump of snow she had reached the apex of, trotting excitedly to Evelyn and dropping the rabbit briefly. Evelyn, so good to see you! Still young, Bella’s tenor held immaturity and sophistication all in one blunder. Her tone was soft but incredibly audible as she greeted her friend with nips and nuzzles to her neck and barks. She then looked to the male, cocking her head in curiosity before picking up the rabbit and offering it to the male. It wasn’t typical male behavior – especially for Bella – but the Queen understood her duties more than outsiders would like to admit. Upon dropping the hare right at the brute’s feet so there was no mistaking it was his, she looked up into his partially blind eyes yet smiled obliviously. Welcome to Darlin, newcomer. My name is Isabella, Queen. This is Evelyn, my Duchess. Bella smiled, acknowledging both herself and her Duchess and then looking expectantly at the male for his name and other dialogue. Bella considered the same greeting she had given to Evelyn being given to the unknown male, but that risked harm since she was unaware of his intentions. It would also mark him with her scent, which he may not desire if he wasn’t a Loyalist; not to mention it was getting rather strong with the season. // complete -- hope y'all like. still trying to get used to her // word count; 707

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[Dementre]

- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
GIVE US THIS DAILY DOSE OF FAUX AFFLICTION
F O R G I V E O U R S I N S
FORGED AT THE PULPIT WITH FORKED TONGUES SELLING FAUX SERMONS
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Leviticus ?!

Leviticus wasn’t displeased with the sudden intrusion. He had actually been dying for a conversation recently, and he recognized the femme that now stood before him. He moved into a sitting position, and dipped his head to her, forever the gentleman his mother had raised him to be. ”Hello there, Evelyn. Good to see you out and about on such a cold day.” He feigned a smile, and lifted his head again, his misty orbs coming to rest on her, but out of respect, he avoided her gaze. She was above him in rankings, so every move he made he did so in the most respectful of manors, though her disposition seemed friendly and light-hearted. He tried to seem as though he was in the same mood, but he had always been a terrible liar. Thinking about the past usually made him mope, but he was determined not to seem as though anything were wrong, although it was quite apparent that he had not been eating properly.

His vision, though blurry, easily picked out Isabella’s shape as she trotted up. He watched the two females exchange greetings and tilted his head as the Queen placed a rabbit at his feet. He let his eyes rest on her once more before bowing a bit, his muscles tired and aching with the cold. ”I don’t believe we’ve had the chance to formally meet, your Highness. I am Leviticus.” He stood erect again, his head sitting proudly on his shoulders as he stood in the presence of the Queen. ”And I appreciate the fresh-kill. I haven’t had much of an appetite lately, so it comes as a blessing. Thank you.” He narrowed his eyes a bit, trying to see through his partial blindness to distinguish their features. ”You’ll have to forgive me. My eyesight is growing worse with every passing day.”

He had only spoken because he knew the gesture would look odd to them. Well, maybe not Evelyn, for she knew of his blindness already. He couldn’t recall their last conversation, or if he had mentioned his past as a minister, or of losing his wife the day he was bitten. He figured he would leave it out for the moment at least. He would save them the sad details, at least for now. They would know eventually, if they didn’t already. Still, he shifted his body into a more relaxed position, still maintaining an air of formality about him, but not as stiff as he had been before. He had always been awkward around those in power, feeling that they deserved his highest respects, even if they didn’t. Though, to those that knew Leviticus, the gesture would truly seem off, as if some great injustice had been done. It wasn’t bothersome, simply a bit of an act.

[Evelyn{{]

[atrb=width,500,true][atrb=border,0,true][bg=666666] ”Hello there, Evelyn. Good to see you out and about on such a cold day.” I smiled. There wasn't really much to say. I'm not a big talker to begin with and this male seemed perfectly capable of just having company. He was very respectful. Never have I believed that I deserve all that. Of course, if I were still human, I would. But...well, I'm a wolf now. I don't have the fame and fortune I have grown so accustomed to. A new scent hit my nares. Well, a "new" scent. I knew exactly who it was. My dear Isabella. She was like my own pup, but of course I can't say that outloud. "Evelyn, so good to see you!" A true smile lit my features. It reached from jaw to brow as the young queen bounded to me. Of course, I let her cover me in her scent, for I would follow her until death. Besides, I loved the little tyke. She's absolutely adorable, and I enjoy making her laugh. Again, most of the time, I viewed her as my own daughter. When she was very young the old royals adopted her. The queen and I had been quite close, so naturally I was instated as the pup's godmother, babysitter, protector, guide, and well...the idea is obvious. She moved to Leviticus and acted the part of a queen, though she was just a little immature about it. I was proud of her diplomacy. "Welcome to Darlin, newcomer. My name is Isabella, Queen. This is Evelyn, my Duchess." Again, I smiled. He was perfectly aware of who I was, but Isabella hadn't met him yet. Who was I to mention anything? I would let her learn for herself. ”I don’t believe we’ve had the chance to formally meet, your Highness. I am Leviticus.” He stood up, and I found myself wondering if the cold was getting to him. It was getting to me, but I am old. Wondering, briefly, if I should mention the cold and get us all somewhere a little warmer, my fur shook. That was all the incentive I needed. I bided my time, however. "And I appreciate the fresh-kill. I haven't had much of an appetite lately, so it comes as a blessing. Thank you. ... You'll have to forgive me. My eyesight is growing worse with every passing day." Ok, it got to me. I had to say something. Well, I had to say several things. For one, there was no reason for him to act so...perfect. It wasn't fun for either of us. And the other, I was beginning to freeze. So what to say first? Thought after thought flooded my mind as a cold breeze ruffled my pelt. I shivered again. That was about all of that I could stand. Without warning I licked my queen's ear, letting her know all was well. Then, I began to speak, my tone friendly, accepting, inviting. I was being completely sincere. "There's nothing to forgive, my friend. And please, you don't have to act this way. I don't deserve such...respect. Come on, let's get somewhere warmer...if you want, of course, Leviticus. We can stay here if you prefer." tags:: Leviticus, Queenie words:: too afraid to count. muse:: unacceptable sounds:: everything... other:: sorry it's so short... =/

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[Isabella]

[bg=000000][atrb=width,499,true][atrb=border,0,true] The Queen – by far the most deserving of respect and admiration – felt doubly awkward about Leviticus’ actions than Evelyn, taking into consideration Bella’s immaturity and inexperience. Evelyn was more the role-model for being an entity of royalty though her age would no doubt deprive her of the capability of fighting. Leviticus was obviously just as old as the Duchess, or perhaps his blind eye and depleted stated caused him to look older. Regardless, Bella could do nothing but smile awkwardly at the male in response to his exaggerated display but she took no cues from Evelyn this time. She was trying her best to do things on her own and simply got caught up in the excitement earlier. Now much more placid and relaxed, the fae better resembled the figure she was meant to be with an almost aloof demeanor. The attention she proffered to both wolves disregarded her being cold however and she cradled her head in a position that was regal, yet not arrogant. Bella had been practicing all of this while being alone for the past month or so and within seconds underwent a complete transformation. Skull shifted to look at her Duchess and smile gently, for once visibly satisfied with her and showing her contentment at not having to seek approval from others. This was really all to the misfortune of the before King and Queen. While being adopted by them meant special treatment and being spoiled, Bella scarcely had the time to socialize. Granted, she was taught how to be a wolf and everything about the species quicker than most, but practicing wolf habits and socialization was still being tested. Leviticus’ vocalized appreciation for her offering was acknowledged with a nod, continuing to smile as he spoke of his blindness and her head shifted in a manner that disregarded it. Blindness was not uncommon in most species, and while Levi’s case was rare, Bella could not begrudge him for it. Heavily shadowed eyes preyed upon Evelyn as she spoke, understanding her acknowledgement of the bitterness. Each day was getting shorter and the cold staying longer. Eventually it would just remain cold until spring came and hopefully it wouldn’t be late like it had last year. Once her Duchess ceased to speak the Queen took it upon herself to make a move, not exactly keen on remaining out in the open. I think a move would be best. I’ve come to realize the night will creep up on you… among other things. The latter of her sentence was softly spoken as she turned her head to look over her shoulder, lips quivering in a silent snarling gesture towards Coheed and his pack. Isabella had no true resentment towards them, really too young to completely understand and having nothing personally done to her. She was still influence by those who adopted her and were around her, and with Evelyn constantly preaching to her about ‘them’ and Coheed it was hard to learn anything else. Bella was not close minded and knew that some natural born wolves enjoyed the Loyalist ways, but she knew that every such member they got, an anthro-wolf replaced them in the pack. Deserters were on both sides. Just to the north a bit is a cluster of trees, there’s a few dens their in hollowed and fallen logs. Gentle voice fell past ivory lips as Bella stood up, hopefully to initiate the move. Evelyn had in fact given Levi the option but Bella’s instincts told her to get away from the water source, especially with the fresh kill she had just brought. The shudder rolling through her Duchess’ body did not go unnoticed either, or the lick to her ear which was returned with a nip before turning away from them and facing the direction she intended them all to go. Gaze was cast backwards at Levi, acknowledging the rabbit she had brought him and looking to Evelyn to carry it should Levi discard it. // complete -- glad this thread is finally moving - snickers at moons - // word count; 622

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[Dementre]

- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
GIVE US THIS DAILY DOSE OF FAUX AFFLICTION
F O R G I V E O U R S I N S
FORGED AT THE PULPIT WITH FORKED TONGUES SELLING FAUX SERMONS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Leviticus ?!

Leviticus nodded his head in acknowledgement to their statements, and shook his pelt once more. He felt a bit awkward at the moment, but that was just simply his nature. He felt quite like a peon, standing next to the queen and her Duchess. Though, Bella’s aloofness and her immature ways made him smile, and he was quite happy with being a Loyalist. He listened to them speak of moving and he nodded in agreement. He wanted to get away from the river, so he really wouldn’t be tempted to give himself another look-over. As blurry as his vision was, he could still make out his flaws, and really didn’t want to feel self-conscious. He was ready to go, and signaled with a lift of his tail that he was still willing to carry on their conversation. Although, he did have a rabbit to carry. He leaned his head down, burying his teeth in the rabbit and lifting his head, deciding it best not to speak, for he had a mouth full of fur, much to his displeasure. Even if he had been rather hungry.

He went to follow them, wondering exactly how good of a den a log would make. He wondered if a bigger wolf could even fit in a hollowed out log. Supposedly the tree was rather large, or he really couldn’t see that happening. He brushed the thoughts away and followed in silence. He didn’t want to talk through a mound of fur and, honestly, he didn’t have anything to say. He had exchanged pleasantries and now he simply wished to get from point a to point b without dropping the meal that Isabella had so generously offered to him. He was sure to enjoy it once they got where they were going.

His paws made muffled sounds in the snow, and he stepped lightly. He moved carefully, the rabbit limp in his jaws, but swinging rather awkwardly between his forelegs. His tail moved from side to side as he walked, and his dull emerald eyes kept a watch out, and he blinked a bit of the blurriness away. It often scared him when he slept, because sometimes he would wake up nearly completely blind, only being able to see some light and shadows. So, he hadn’t been getting much sleep lately, even if his eyes were better after the sun had reached the center of the sky.

[Evelyn{{]

[atrb=width,500,true][atrb=border,0,true][bg=666666] "I think a move would be best. I've come to realize the night will creep up on you...among other things." It pained my heart. My Isabella had never seen the true horrors of the world. There were those who would love nothing more than to rip her throat from her bodice and watch her bleed to death. Amazing a woman, oops, wolf of my breeding could think such awful thoughts, but they were there. Many a time, I would wake up after a night of terror seeing the pretty girl at the mercy of one of those psychotic true-borns. They were all evil, all. Well, ok, not all, but most. As a general rule, one of their kind would kill the queen without provocation merely becuase she is a loyalist. "Just to the north a bit is a cluster of trees, there’s a few dens their in hollowed and fallen logs." This brightened my mood considerably. There she went again, all diplomatic. I was proud. She didn't wait for Leviticus to reply to the offer and therefor voice his thoughts on the matter, but he seemed happy enough to gather himself to his feet and follow her lead. And, he seemed to still be in a conversational mood. Another gust of icy cold wind ruffled my fur. Another shiver ripped through my bodice. Yes, it was definitely time to get out of the wind. Frankly, I was cold. Bella turned and led the way into the trees. She was filling her role nicely. As expected Leviticus padded after her. I, as usual, took up the rear. I'm not sure why, but it has always brought me pleasure to see prints in the snow. And, when I follow, I can walk in the prints and not get as much snow packed in the sensitive part between my pads and toes. It all works out. Something rustled the bushes to my right. I had always hated killing. As a human, I was a pacifist. But, hunger got the best of me, so I decided to investigate. Without warning, I turned off the path and loped into the undergrowth. Moments later, I reappeared at the end of the line with a small white rabit hanging from my jaws. Odd. I shouldn't have been able to catch it with the three of us moving through the trees like that. I brushed it off as something being wrong with the individual, not the population. With the warmth of the body between my ivory teeth and the promise of a meal as soon as we reached our destination, I was able to get to the dens. tags:: Leviticus, Bella words:: I dun wanna know. muse:: unacceptable sounds:: just the phone other:: sorry it's so short... =/

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[Isabella]

[bg=000000][atrb=width,499,true][atrb=border,0,true] A self-assured smile fell across Bella’s lips as she caught the sounds of her Duchess and Leviticus following in suit behind her. Her tail curled confidently across her spine though she moved without tension and pure grace; revealing no decree for superiority over either of the wolves. The Queen kept her pace restrained yet at an unobvious slow pace to ensure that her blind companion could keep up. Neither wolf either caught up to her though as at times she went ahead of them to guarantee their trail was clear of all predators. While waiting for them Bella would casually sniff around the area for other wolves, taking personal time to mark her territory in privacy and observing the winter wonderland which was their home. Suddenly, just as she caught sign of Leviticus and Evelyn, her Duchess trailed off. Bella moved forward in the direction the shela had disappeared but paused with a cocked head in curiosity. Only one the female reappeared with a rabbit between her jaws did Bella smile approvingly at her – though made no assumption that the hare was for anyone other than Evelyn- and pivoted around to once more take the lead. As was wolf nature, she gently brushed against Leviticus in reassurance and as a way of ‘keeping the bond.’ As humans they would probably just flirt or hug, but in their situation neither was appropriate. It’s just up here. I don’t know how it happened but one of those huge trees got uprooted this past summer, maybe because of the melting snow. The middle is hollow too… Her voice drifted off, tone holding some amount of excitement alongside its confidence. Bella recalled the times she had traveled up hollow trees as a pup, all of them smaller than the one they were headed for. She remembered one time that she had gotten stuck towards the top of one where it got really narrow, one of the times she had escaped Evelyn. Her Duchess wasn’t aware of that one and Bella refrained from looking back at her, knowing there would be mischief in her eyes. Padding along so calmly, Isabella nearly missed the turn off. She recovered as she took a sharp turn to her left, down a small incline which led more into the woods. Tail wagged gently back and forth as she looked back at Leviticus, though knew that with Evelyn behind him they would both get here in time. Ivory frame quickly became defined by an aged timber that lay mostly solid but splintered on the outside. A large gaping hole was evidence of where it had landed on a great stump. There were claw and teeth marks both on the outside and inside from where bears and other animals had dug into it for grubs. Bella used it often just to rest and even slept their a few times; there were dead needles and extremely dried up moss to create some padding. Bella looked excitedly back at the two before entering. Automatically she settled on her bed and stretched out though she sat slightly more in to the tree in order to provide room for Leviticus and Evelyn. Technically, wolves could fit all up and down this tree but that would be unorthodox. Bella stood up and peeked her head out curiously at the two, barking to get their attention causing near-by nesting birds to fly. // complete -- your post was fine, mine sucks x0 // word count; 566

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