What’s it like to be disdained by everyone? To be looked at as something akin to a monster, an outsider, or even a nobody? Was that what you were, little Thiago? So insignificant that not a soul in the world cared to look when you shifted from your little black form into the man you really are? Eight could relate – slightly. He too, was a nobody (when he wanted). He perused the shadows like a bookstore, he bided his time among the upper cliffs watching below, he hardly existed when his soul thrummed through the Valley forests. He too, could be a nobody – passed up by each and every soul.
Of course, that was his choice, really. He preferred to stay on the edges of society. Oh dear, sweet, Thiago – you may be feel spurned and distraught that you are simply a wisp among the wind – but I promise you, sometimes it is best to be a nobody. Sometimes it is best to get lost in the current of your own time, and ignore all the rest.
But, you didn’t know that, did you? And instead you tired of your game of charades, your alone time became weary, your solace was no longer in the burrows and dens of the rabbits. You were ready to become something, someone, that mattered. Why, it would be a shame if you came to regret that decision.
Eight was always watching – but don’t we all know that? He’s the ‘Guardian’ of this Valley – though everyone knows it’s simply because he’s a magician. What better man to stalk the shadows of your home than one who could destroy anything that came into it? Lucky for you, my rabbit reaper, Eight knows you are no harm. How could you be? Standing so demurely at the door, waiting for an invitation inside – like a little rabbit eared vampire. Would it come to a terrible end if Eight let you in?
He appeared quietly before you – appearing suddenly with a slight
whoosh of air. His wing, still fractured from his battle with Yael, was useless for riding on the updrafts of wind. I do suppose apparition was a bit more startling than flying down at least.
“Thiago, is it?” He takes a few quick steps towards you, quickly closing the gap between.
“I’ve been expecting you. Punctuality clearly isn’t your thing, hm?”
With that, he gave a jerk of his head towards the inner realm of the Valley, and began walking away.
∞
and now the storm is coming, the storm is coming in