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Hearing every word, but only halfway listening. Hands shoved inside his jacket pockets. Lydrim silently stood, reflecting in their reactions. He looked down each time after those addressing him finished, like the floor was covered in a thin sheet of ice that was one sudden movement away from him drowning. Was he really the only one holding his breath? Noticing everyone’s else was self-assured, standing on solid ground. Blindly hurling a knife into the dark, hoping to make their mark. Summer’s, Amahle’s and Aether’s assertions assuming that Lydrim’s knife was simply the dullest, which caused him to not take his own stab at it.

Six eyes stared past six strangers. His past, a thousand knives piercing straight through his back. It shouldn’t have been surprising that everyone reached out to grab such far-fetched promises, that they're willing to follow directions made by the ghostly figure without deliberation. Like a shepherd herding their sheep. Their opinions were like open books, even he could read between the lines. These individuals must have experienced vastly different lives. Never having a life or death conversation. Where believing some stranger’s words was the most foolish thing they could do. Already feeling the ire drawn from the rest, verbally thrown at him. Lydrim responded with the slightest smile spreading across his face, followed by a soft chuckle. Lyros and Vashti glanced at him and then each other.

[i]“Words hold little value to me. I hold no idealistic aspirations like having a power to change the lives of others. You’d have to be quite naive to think that most people would change themselves for the better, even if all it took, was bending over and picking up the silver platter tossed at their feet. Becoming the head of nobility, the people I hate most. I can’t imagine doing anything more self destructive. I’d sooner burn their ill-gotten riches and stature down to the ground. However, there couldn’t be a more perfect opportunity for an adventure...”[/i] He thought. Pulling out his hands out once he could keep them still, straightening out his jacket’s collar. Feeling an adrenaline rush turning him in the direction of the tree. 

“Yes, let’s go you two. I’m always enthralled by the chance of having another conversation.” Lydrim said in a pleasant and genuine sounding tone, like hearing someone else speaking would make his day. He walked off first, without looking back. Vashti flew down and rested on Lyros’ head. Lyros glanced up with a frown, carefully scratching the itch behind his ears with his hind paw. Letting out a huff.

“That’s what I expected you to say...I’m going to miss having any good food.” The wolf sighed. Standing and stretching out, before reluctantly following with his tail low. Lydrim laughed again, knowing Lyros was biting his tongue. [i]“Or having the luxury of not being surrounded by fools. I have unfinished business that girl anyway…”[/i]

Lydrim placed his right hand upon the tree, left hand gently reaching down and stroking Vashti’s back. Waiting for something to happen...

"Just don't get on that Shifter's bad side. I was worried you'd end up getting maimed again due to your stubborn behavior. Always picking fights with people bigger than you. You know she would’ve likely beaten you to a pulp if Lydrim didn’t stop-” Vashti chattered.

“Vashti! Shut it!” Lyros growled. Vashti affectionately prodded his head with her beak. Reducing Lyros to frustrated grumbling, wanting to die from the embarrassment...