Animals Within

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Theodemar smiled at her compliment, still a bit tense from the wrapping but was relieved that it would be protected and healing from now on. It already felt less gross and gnarly than it had when he rode here. But her comment on his humor was amusing, and he just had to glance at the glider and smirk just a tad, in reply to her occasional glares in his direction. "Don't we all have teeth?" He couldn't help but grin cheekily, a laugh almost escaping from him as he shifted more comfortably on the couch and leaned back. "But I agree with you there. It will be quite the experience to be among all of you." Glancing between the aunt and the glider, he wondered just how much variety was within the village. Granted, there were obviously red deer and elk, but other species could also be prancing beyond the door of this cozy cabin. He couldn't recognize most of the breeds that were in their shift when they entered, so discovering the diversity would be something he would definitely look into. "I believe one day, things will improve between all of our species. We won't be in a constant struggle against one another just because of the shift we were born as. Though I'm sure Atticus and Aaliyah will be working on that 'merge' just as much as the rest of us." He cleared his throat to hopefully leap over whatever comment could have come from that.

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Quote :: Sophia Roe

Of course Aunt Sophie hadn't quite gotten ahold of his joke, but she giggled at it nonetheless since well - teeth? It was more of a fainthearted giggle than an actual laugh but it was one no less. She nodded at his words, smiling to him and his fantasies of the future, when the bubbly gleam in her eyes drifted away. 'Merge?' Her expression puckered in confusion. She was a bit soft with her words. "I don't...understand..." Then again, this was probably another one of the lad's jokes. Yes, yes. That must be it. So she flaunted her hand and smirked a bit with her long curled hair springing. "Ahh. I see..." Pretending to understand, she beamed at it as casually as possible.

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Theodemar laughed along with her soft giggle, glad he could make her laugh in the slightest. But he could sense the hesitation at his second comment, and he pondered if he should explain it. On one hand, it was the truth and would happen at some point, knowing how things worked as animals, but on the other hand, this was Atticus' aunt. Perhaps she would not be pleased with imagining what her nephew would be doing behind closed doors with the leopard residing here. His smile stayed and he also pretended as though she got the entirety of the comment. "Nonetheless, I do have a question concerning the topic. Are you sure Aaliyah will be...welcomed here, with the shift she is? From my knowledge, deer are not her common prey, but she is still a predator." His voice dropped softly, as to not alert the mentioned girl in the other room. "As little as I know about her, I doubt Atticus would like to have her be questioned and judged,, seeing as he's assumed to be courting her."

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Quote :: Sophia Roe

At first she thought the joke would be put to rest and forgotten, as Theo seemed to have changed the topic on Aaliyah being a snow leopard. Would there be a problem? Yes, there would be a bit of clash with their leader -but it would resolve well. Atticus was a well respected figure and anyone he respected would be accepted regardless of species. Aunt Sophie was swift to explain this to him of course. Her words were as gentle as a summer's breeze. "Of course, she will be very welcomed...you are right, we don't accept just any carnivore. But," She smiled sweetly. "A friend of my nephew is a friend of ours. And I have known of Aaliyah and her dilemma for quite some time, dear boy. The majority of us know..." But her words had died off when the new topic was reemerged into the conversation. Courting? What? Aunt Sophie didn't know how to approach this now. It must have been serious if it was brought up again... Her brows were knitted together in a baffled look, staring at Theodemar as if trying to understand the deal behind his words. She nibbled her lip, quiet for a long minute or two. There was a distant look in her brown eyes. But as she heard the door of the room open and Atticus step out, she swiftly threw her chin over her shoulder. She wasted no time confronting him. "This young man claims you're courting the leopard...Atticus."

Quote :: Atticus Cross

《 TAGS》Aunt Sophie;Theodemar;

Glancing at the small group as they talked softly, he lifted his head only to be met with a piercing glare. What did he do now? "This young man claims you're courting the leopard...Atticus." As those words left her lips, he felt dizzy, and sick. The man was completely thrown off -he wasn't expecting this! The accusation twisted in him like the truth behind it. "I...I..I-uhh. He tripped over his tongue, unable to utter out a complete sentence. "I...don't...think so...no..."

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Theodemar was pleased to hear that things would go smoothly for the leopard here. Even with her status, Atticus had a foot in the door for her welcoming. At least that much was taken care of for her, and it would be less chaotic in the village because of that matter. But he began to fret when Aunt Sophie became a little more irritated at the words he spoke. Oh shoot. This was a mistake. Judging by Atticus' surprised reaction, he had said the wrong thing. Clearing his throat and standing quickly to his feet, he held his hand in a relaxed fist up to his chest and curled the back one behind him. "I-I apologize for my slip of the tongue," he explained. "I only say the rumors from what I have heard from other guards, not from Atticus' mouth himself. Now I know that they were false. I apologize once more." He gave a worried glance to the man across the room, sweat practically beading at his brow. He had worried about messing things up, and now it seems he slipped a little too hard. He must have misinterpreted. Atticus was always a tad hesitant when he spoke of the leopard anyways. "Besides, Lord Lythedh kept a very close perspective on things. It would be ridiculous to believe that, that the two would be courting officially."

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Quote :: Sophia Roe

Theo's remarks and the response he had on the subject matter didn't lessen her scowl. Predators and prey were not a thing - why would anyone spread rumors? It could have been a total misunderstanding but she had expected her nephew to straight up deny this claim. Instead, his slip of the tongue only confirmed it. Aunt Sophie folded her arms against her chest. There was immediate sharpness to her tone as she completely disregarded what Theo had said. It was family time now. "Explain! Now." The tender disposition she had shriveled under her words. She could see Atticus bite his lip. "Don't take me for a fool! I want a straight answer." Her eyes honed in on her nephew, then she walked up, yanked him by the shirt and lead him to the kitchen, then back door where she could yell at him without lingering eyes. She was sure to state her opinion on this matter.

Quote :: The sugar glider watched the two leave without a shred of remorse, her lips curling into a pleased smirk. Her large rodent eyes landed on Theo with the sting of mocking him. "You're a complete moron. Now they know too." She squeaked out a giggle before thrashing her tail and rolling her eyes. "Oh look at me, I'm Theo - I'm going to assume you know all these things and make it worse for everyone. Even better! I just met them and their family, now I started this." She saucily eyed her claws, keeping that look. "Efficient way at making enemies, Theo. Now you should have three people who hate you."

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Theodemar's demeanor fell as he watched Aunt Sophie drag Atticus away, his brows furrowing in thought. He had been trying to avoid messing things up, but it seemed that with that worry, he stumbled over his own feet. He may have just broken his one alliance, with his moronic blurting of information. His eyes slanted over to the giggling glider, and pondered stuffing her in a bag to keep her quiet. But he was not that mean. This was fully on his back, his responsibility to take care of. Picking up the glider from her neck, he placed her in his wrapped hand, leaning over and grabbing his pouch of money from an inner pocket of his breastplate before he walked to the front door and out into the sunshine again, breathing in the air as he hooked the pouch to his belt. He needed to keep his distance for a little while, keep family issues to the family before he could go back and mend his mistake. "Hardly a dent in my record," he growled to the rodent, filling his chest with fresh air before he began his stroll down the streets, staying off to the side of the passing neighbors but noting the buildings and architecture as well as the breeds that mingled among one another. He could learn more about this later, when his ties were knotted back together. For now, he needed to pick himself up by his bootstraps and pound the pavement to make something of his new life while he destroyed others behind him.

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Quote :: She growled, attempting to flee again when Theo made quick work of her efforts and stuffed her into his coin satchel. The metal was very cold on her delicate feet. It caused her to shift her toes on them. She folded her round ears against her skull, peaking out from the bag with her small head. What was the brute up to now? Sulking? Was he going to sulk? -Yes, Of course he was. She made a 'tsk tsk' noise, scenting the cold wind brush against her nose. Claws gripping the leather for balance, the sugar took a look around the village. It seemed it was always bustling. Fawns were still prancing around - including little calves too. "Why bring ME along?" She questioned him. "Not like I'm great company or anything..."

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Theodemar huffed a bit at her comment and shoved his hands into his pockets, his thumbs tapping the outer fabric as he scanned the store fronts. "I figured you might prefer the outdoor air to a cabin of tension," he replied cooly down to her, though began to worry about what he was going to do. He had no idea where he was supposed to go, or where he was to buy a new set of clothes. Everything was so jovial that he didn't belong so swell among people who knew each other well. Mustering up some courage and puffing his chest out to seem confident, he approached a passing girl and cleared his throat, putting his arm up across his chest. "My lady," he greeted, "I'm rather new around these parts. May you explain where I can find some clothes, perhaps a plate of food?" He smiled just a bit, hoping he seemed friendly enough. He wasn't exactly like any of these, but he could try to fit in.

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Quote :: She made a clicking sound as a gesture of annoyance. What a dope. He was the type to just run away and pretend like he never did anything. After rolling her eyes, they met with the many faces of the villagers; the young and the old. There was the calling of the market place where the people would trade and talk about their lives. Quite boring and dull actually. This place seemed so pacifistic, it was no wonder they had to hide and pretend they didn't exist. Such spineless little nuisances. "Pathetic little nub tails."
The sugar glider muttered to herself, glaring at the girl Theo had just approached.
She was a gentle thing with strawberry blonde hair and freckles along her cheeks. When she beamed at the guy, the sugar glider pretended to vomit.

"Oh goodness me! You're the guest! The elk! The one everyone's been talking about, sure-sure," she grabbed his hand gingerly and pulled him a bit away from the rest of the crowd. Her fair skin seemed to gleam in the sunlight. "Haha, so sorry for pushing you away from everyone. I didn't want others finding out-that sounds weird-hang on..." She cleared her throat and pointed at a trade stand to the very back. "I'd ask mother Chital about food. She can definitely help you out." Then she tapped on her lip and pointed to a hut just across from it. "And clothes are right over there! I would lie low for a bit. Um...don't want people nipping at you. Figuratively. I mean..." The girl flushed with embarrassment, putting her hair behind her ear as she glanced down. "Ah I'm so bad at this..."

The sugar glider twitched her nose as it crinkled, and glanced up at Theo to talk to him while the girl wasn't listening. "Freaking weird one this is. Just take the food and go please. Or I'm gonna purposefully eat your coins just to die."

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Theodemar was quite surprised at being recognized by the younger girl, but he followed her willingly, her hand soft in his own and causing him to clear his throat in surprise. He wouldn't have expected to be noticed so quickly, but he didn't really mind it. She seemed nice enough to direct him where he needed to go. Continuing to smile at her, he pretended to brush her worries aside with his hand. "You're doing just fine, thank you for the direction. I'm mighty impressed at how fast word spreads in this town though. And don't mind, I've had my few nicks here and there. A new nips won't be much." His teeth gleamed through his lips for a moment, his hand placed back in the position prior to her taking it out of habit. His eyes gazed down the street, keeping mental note of the places she pointed out. It would be good to remember for later, though he was sure that if he were able to see what they were surrounded by, he could make his way to them much quicker the next time he was out and about. Perhaps this lady could show him around."Would you mind escorting me from place to place, if you have the time? Get acquainted with the pathways. I'm sure you know more than I do." A small laugh bubbled from his lungs and out to her, his eyes closing just a tad from it. He ignored the sugar glider and eased his hand over the pouch to give a small nudge to her nose, a sign to keep her mouth shut while he tried to focus on his newest company.

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Quote :: The girl was quick to respond to his comment about how 'word travels fast around here'. That was quite the understatement. Everybody knew everybody, and that meant everyone knew everything. She gave him a plucky smile. "Ah I mean if something this exciting were to happen, of course everyone would know! It's really rare, having an outsider around...that is..." she admitted gingerly. But her face went a tad red at his suggestion, feeling honored for him giving her any attention at all. She just wanted to see him, now she was showing him around? How cool! Her smile grew and seemed to glow at the suggestion. "Really? Really-really? I mean I would love to, sure." After brushing some hair back behind her ear again, she was readied up and she began leading him to mother Chital for food; she figured that was most important. Clothes could wait. Only a few steps forward and the sweet aromas of freshly baked pies, bread, and soups fluttered in the air. It even made her belly grumble a little. "I have to ask, was what I heard true? That is...are you REALLY from the castle?" Her eyes sparkled as beads of light swept down from the canopy. "Like with all the predators and-and meat eaters? You are very brave." She muttered. "I couldn't imagine being put through that..."

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Theodemar continued to be amused by the embarrassment of the girl, though he tried not to make her feel as though she were in the presence of a god or anything outrageous. He was simply like them, with a different past attached to his name. "Really-really. Why else would I ask?" His face spread a smile that just seemed to stick, his footsteps echoing hers as the smells arose in the air. He didn't even realize how hungry he was until he imagined all the meals he could be eating soon here, and he almost drooled. After years of basic feed, this would be paradise for certain. Though his thoughts mimicked her question, and his gaze wandered to her as they paraded across the street. "Yes, I am," he murmured, starting to understand that he should probably not be so prominent of his origins, at least not yet. He would enjoy one on one time beforehand, but his chest puffed out a little at the possibilities that wandered to mind. Yet he wasn't so sure that he wanted to jump on any. "I was a guard for the predatory Lords, it was rather intriguing to protect such vicious creatures. But I would much rather be surrounded by people of my own kind. Who knew I'd find such pretty ladies just a few days from it all?" The sparkle in her eyes from before was daunting, but he played right at it. He'd never had such attention before.

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Quote :: It was funny to her, how different he was compared to the rest of his kind. Not that she had anything against them. But he seemed to be a bit flirty, with a gentle disposition. And sweet, very sweet. "Pretty? Well," she covered her mouth with her hand as she laughed. The soft skin of her cheeks flushed again but allowed it to fade. "Goodness, well, there are much better girls further into town, believe me." The story of his life was fascinating though. So very different from their own. And she couldn't imagine a life outside this. It made her eyes shimmer in delight. "That's honestly...as bad as it is, really cool. Like real predators? Y'know I've never seen a predator in my life...I haven't really seen anything outside of deer actually..." There was a faint sigh as she look to the dashing man. "Other than...you're little rodent friend that is." She giggled. "What was being in the castle like? I see you have armor...I mean...really nice armor. Pardon me for staring if I've been doing that...I've never seen armor either. Castle armor anyway...um...I'm babbling again, aren't I?"

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Theo's head tilted a tad as he gazed at her, some of his honeyed hair catching on the breeze and whisping up to the side as he did so. "Really? Even though you're the one I approached?" His tease caused the edges of his lips to pull into a gentle grin, the good smells that wafted to them causing his stomach to rumble in a warning to him, though he ignored it for the time being as her light rambling amused him so. "Never apologize for such a thing," he told her softly, positioning his head back upright. "For either thing, that is. I understand me being here is a bit overwhelming, with all I bring behind me." Chuckling, he adjusted some of the straps as he was reminded of their rubbing against his clothes. "It was, well, rather boring. The lords were often doing their own business, leaving us to really just sit and stare. Sometimes we would escort a lord into town, but that was a special occasion. Or we would get hints of some scandal in the castle and would try to listen in on meetings, perhaps pick up on maid gossip. But of all the things there, I think I will much more enjoy my time here. Always something, or someone, to see." Winking at her, he propped up one of his arms on his waist casually as their steps walked over stone. "Though speaking of the predators," he lowered his voice, "we have escorted a 'tame' one here, persay. Don't let any know, but, she is on our side. Perhaps I could introduce her to you privately, once she feels better." He wasn't sure if he should have spoken of the information, but it would spread around sooner or later.

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Quote :: The tease furthered her gentle smile, causing her cheeks to warm and her eyes to soften. "Aw, you're so sweet," she said to him. "Say, what's your name? I know that's a rather weird question to ask considering how much I know about you...but...yeah...might be a good time to ask." The girl shrugged her shoulders. Gently chewing on her lip, she listened to the man tell his tale. She was engrossed with his story even if he was listing the bad in the job. She didn't know what life was like there but it seemed different than she'd imagine. The girl figured there would be so much violence on the streets. At least boring was better than carnage after all and she nodded her head. "Oh-oh, I see, I know what you mean but I mean it's really boring here too." Holding onto her wrist as they began to come upon the food shack, she pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "All we have is our market and snooping in other people's businesses...it's nice though don't get me wrong. It's really nice sometimes." As the man addressed the leopard that was brought into the village, she giggled, and eyed him sweetly. Her words showed her amusement in his wariness. "Well of course, if my cousin brings in a outside woman everybody has to know who she is. Atticus talks to his Aunt about his times at the castle and she...well...is a social butterfly. So most of us don't know names is all but we know the basic story." Seeing people socialize and part ways with the woman in charge of selling the food, she gave a causal look to him. "She'll be fine as long as our head chief accepts her..." Having said that, the girl turned and gave a friendly smile to the lady at the shack.

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Theo was surprised that he hadn't told her his name, or anyone really. He would have guessed from all the gossip spreading in the small town that names would have arisen, but alas that didn't seem the case. He smiled down at her, glancing between the two women. "Theodemar," he told her quietly, before huffing with playfulness. "Boring? You guys have twice the enthusiasm that the lords do, and all you may do is walk and talk. I would consider that pretty exciting, in my books." He couldn't understand why they believed they were boring. If they could talk for hours and keep the streets bustling with activity, that was successful in his books. Years of silence quickly built. Chuckling, he nodded to her next, addressing the woman as he didn't want her to wait too long. "Excuse me, if I were to eat anything here, what would you highly recommend?" he asked. "I can only assume that everything here is the same greatness, though."

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Quote :: The comment was cute but she would leave it at that. They were of two different worlds and she hadn't the time to show him everything, knowing he'd figure it out himself. But in the meantime, it was comforting to have someone of such interest beside her. She could feel her cheeks glow at the thought - an outsider. No, she was never the one to get that type of attention. Every popular figure was followed by the more...outspoken crowds while she lingered in the back but today was different. The glimmer of her smile rested on her fair lips as she looked to mother Chital, the shopkeeper. To Theodemar's question, she thought of it. The options rolled around in her head. There was so much to eat and so many different tastes. It was a shot in the dark if he would like it or not. "The Sweetwater bread is a favorite here...if you want a snack," she said. "But I personally recommend the Chickpea Tomato Minestrone. Everything is fresh though and good. Experiment." Personal boundaries were not a thought up idea in the village, the girl held his hand as she lead him to the wide-open stand.
A few stray looks were given to the elk and then a few more. The smell of fresh bread, soups, and the like wafted into the air. Its familiar scent brought the childhood memories bounding back, "we can take up as much time as you need, Theodemar." There was a nice ring to his name as she said it. "I'm Angeline by the way." She introduced, enchanted by him in his shiny apparel.

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Theodemar was curious by the girl's suggestions for food, and noted it personally. He would indeed need to experiment, with how amazing the smells were just on their own. It had been - well, never - that he had quality food, as even his family didn't have the greatest cooking in his childhood. "Will do," he told her after a moment, though blushed lightly and stepped after her when she took his hand. In their bubble conversation, he felt a lot more comfortable among the people's stares and passing glasses than if he were on his own. His eyes looked along the stands and tried to find the food he would like the most, before she mentioned her name. Angeline. The name rung happily in his ears, and he grinned just a bit over here. "Angeline. It's a pleasure to know you more. But I don't want to take too much of your time. Can't be staring at food all day." He laughed softly to himself. "Surely there's more for you to show me than just food."

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Quote :: Angeline Gray

She was a little amused by his response about taking her valuable time. It pushed her smile further up her face. What nonsense that was, her time was so meaningless in comparison to his! But what a nice man. He was so kindhearted. "Trust me, this has got to be the most exciting part of my day," she told him with a humble smile. "I mean. I sound strange but, it's nice being around you...I guess. I don't know." Her eyes went away from his with a little flush on her face. And then her attention returned to him as he spoke again. There was an 'oh right' moment she had in the middle of speaking with him. Angeline's eyes went a little wide. "More than food? I mean...oh. Oh...I see, I see." She was a bit thrown off by the notion but assumed she knew what he meant. Angeline was more than happy to oblige but before she was able to respond more, mother Chital interrupted.
"Ah! Newcomer aye! Pleasure to see the both of you's." A female spotted deer stepped up and whisked her tail with a snort. "Y'all let me know when you're ready, I promise the best food you can get your hooves on."