Bound for trouble from the start
I've been walking through this old world in the dark
The puzzle is nearly complete. The bear is merely an emotional being that rattles it’s chains and roars in his chest. The brand on his side means nothing. It’s strange how much he misses this power. This curse that he had hated and could barely control. It had become a security blanket, a way to protect himself when he had never been able to before. That’s why he misses it, a shield. A defense.
A mountain looms in the distance, he’s torn. Distracted. Does he want it or not? Moving his scarred and disfigured torso from the heat of the sun to the coolness of the forest, he battles with himself. Fall has come but the weather is still warm. It’s interesting to have a literal heat within him (for testosterone was hard to avoid) while also physically sweating. He was more uncomfortable then ever and had no way to displace his feelings. Not like he knew how anyways.
A sigh escapes from parted lips as relief is found in the shade. Minor relief but it helps nonetheless. His good eye takes in the others that have also sought out shelter. It’s as he is looking about that he doesn’t see her coming (how can he with that mangled hollowed socket) and she plows right into him. He startles easily, always has and always will. Whirling around to face his attacker, lips pulled back as his ears flatten to his head and become hidden in the mass of tangled flaxen forelock. A soft defensive snarl dying on his tongue as the golden flecked eye takes her in. Instantly landing on her third eye.
He remembers Adaline. Her translucent skin, her glass bones. How delicate she was. Vulnerable. How she had been devastated by the shock in his eyes. She had been horrific but beautiful. He would not make the same mistake twice, not when he was a far more ugly thing to behold. She’s apologizing and he curves his neck, muzzle dipping to his chest as he breathes in deeply. Curved ears swiveling back towards her, forcing himself to relax his taunt muscles. ”It’s fine.” It’s not, not really but she’s a beautiful unique thing and he doesn’t have the heart to lash out at her. Any second she will see his disturbing face and appearance and would hustle along. Then he would once again be alone with his thoughts and the unsavory situation before him. To bring the bear back or not?
Ledger