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Post by Lev on Jun 28, 2012 6:56:37 GMT -5
((All are welcome to join in. :3 Sorry about the novel. XD You can tell by crime of inspiration how excited I was to start this. XD))
The flickering lantern of the caravan sat on the far edge of the grounds, surrounded by the darkness of the waning moon and the fog of the cold grass against the warm air's breath. Naught but a lone moth danced in the light of the dim glow, passing it's shadow against what could be seen of the grasses and weeds that lead to the wooden steps. This little box on wheels gave the warmth to ask no more than a passing glance, to those who could see it, and a curious breath held for those whose curiosity yearned for a look inside. To add to the little mystery of what was inside, inquiry often turned to the enigma of who was inside, instead. The bright-eyed, well-trained beast that lay within. The monster with the tattered face of a man and a hidden heart of gold. The man of whom so very little was known.
Lev, the Lion Wrestler, that slept within.
It had taken hours to find sleep this night, as it often had. It wasn't the heat of the air, or the stuffy atmosphere of the caravan itself. It wasn't the singing of the crickets heart easily through the wooden walls, or the feint noises that reached out from the tents of those whom had already woken and readied for the day ahead. It was the many events of the previous days unable to rest in him, much less the years that had come before. Their images, like a recording, played before him each night. Even through all of it, he had managed to finally close his eyes with their weary weight and find sleep's grasp, no matter how welcoming it may seem. How much work it seemed to be to sleep these days. How much work it was to dream.
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It seemed to be only a few hours later that the sun would rise up over the trees of the grounds and seep into the stained windows of the little wooden home. It painted an orange clover against the ground that slowly crept to Lev's beside, almost watching over him as he fitfully slept. Even as his eyes were closed, they shivered with visions, with fear, with memories. Intermittently, his limbs would shift as he would dream, mocking the movements of the living only by a quiver of the strong muscle that moved them. Beads of sweat gathered upon his skin, resting in the cavities of his scars and rolling from his forehead to his pillow, from his body, to his bed. Slowly, his body had come to a calm. Quaking eyes found rest, tense muscle relaxed. Just as he had come to quell his restless slumber, the orange clover of light reached up to touch his face. Moments passed at the light caressed his skin until finally resting on one of his closed eyes. In an instant, he was up and on his feet, the whole caravan shifting from the movement of his own weight. With pupils tapered to pin-pricks in the center of his sunburst eyes, he spun around to look behind him, arms braced for a fight that wasn't there. Spinning around again, his mind was finally catching up to where he was and what had happened.
A sigh of relief came over him as clenched fists dropped to his sides and shoulders loosened. He turned to face the wall opposite of the door, not but eight feet away, and slowly made his way over. Leaning his forehead on the wall, he allowed his heart to slow it's rapid beat as he caught his breath. Too many times he had woken like this. Closing his eyes, he lifted his arm above his head, muttering something ever so slightly under his breath. A good fifteen minutes had passed until he had finally moved again, turning to his bed and kneeling to grip the suitcase beneath it. It was time to start the day. Even as every day would start the same, it was the idea that the ending would fall on a much better note that would keep him going. It was the faces of his friends, his new family, that he had come to meet, that would often make the end of the day worth waiting for.
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Strong hand wrapped around the handle of the caravan's door. One more deep breath and he was ready to officially start the day. A creak later and he was stepping into the late morning sun, eyes peering out over the grounds to see what today would bring. Releasing the handle and with one hope down to the earth, the door clicked shut and he made pace toward the tent that they all had gratefully named the cafeteria. That would be where most of the shining faces, or the terribly wretched at this hour, who wouldn't dare declare themselves 'morning people,' would be right now. It had come to be out of habit that he would make his way there, not that he knew what to expect of it every day. Some mornings were mellow and other chaotic, but still, it did him well to see their faces.
Finally at the door flap, he reached one hand inside and pulled the canvas back, the cafeteria and those who sat eating coming into view,” Gued Moerning...” His voice was strong and gruff, though soft and welcoming. It hung in the air for a moment for all those who knew the accent well enough to know the man who wielded it.
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Post by Voltaire on Jun 30, 2012 15:57:36 GMT -5
Not one for mornings, Escar was reluctant to go to breakfast; however, Cyrill still managed to get his butt up and out of the tent. As Ess stepped out into the scorching mid-morning sun, he squinted before peering out at the circus grounds before him. He then lowered his head and followed closely behind his young friend. Upon reaching their destination, Escar flopped down at the first and nearest table from the entrance in which he offered to fight anyone who declared it theirs, as any other table wasn't worth the walk to at his early-morning state.
After making himself comfortable, Escar lifelessly let his head fall to the table with a thud as he waited for Cy to return; that is, until he heard a familiar voice, a voice that belonged to one of the few people in this wretched place that didn't manage to get on his nerves. "Hey, Lev. You're welcome to sit with us," Escar stated with what would be best described as a gargle. "Us" usually consisted of Cyrill, himself, Crow, Panthea, and occasionally Hope. It wasn't the best company, but it was the best of what's provided. Needless to say, it also consisted of the only people who knew how to keep the rough-housing to minimum while around this big, grumpy pussy cat.
Before long, Voltaire even made an appearance, showing up in only loose black pants and bandages wrapped around his waist and bare feet.
"All right, crew, listen up," he announced, clapping his hands together once. "It's a quarter past ten and I just got back from chopping up some wood we can use to finish setting up the food and game stalls; wood that we wouldn't need, had someone not decided to chase a harmless hare through and off the circus grounds whilst reeking havoc along the way. Not pointing any fingers, Escar." Escar dropped his hand to the table with a loud thwack. "I already apologized." Voltaire chuckled before continuing, "So, in conclusion, I could use some help setting up the remaining stalls before our customers come pouring in tomorrow. That's where you'll find me for the rest of the day, so don't keep me waiting." With that, he made his exit.
Sighing, Escar plopped his head back down onto the table while violently rubbing the back of it with both hands, causing his already-messy hair to look even more ridiculous. "I don't know why he chooses to pick on me this early.." Ess muttered, more to himself than anyone.
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Post by epicchibi on Jul 1, 2012 13:09:43 GMT -5
Mornings were the same no matter what her old eyes would see. The sun comes up the light touches the clouds letting them paint it the hue of the day. Then again Today was not the same quiet one. Looking at the wood that had been freshly chopped she held it in her hands. Smirking to herself as she worked a little magic. “Tut tut tut” She will admit it was funny watching Escare bother the rabbit. But then again the booths were not too happy. Snaping her fingers her cloths began to warp and change. The flowing dress melted and stitched. Forming pants that hugged her legs to her mid calf and a tank top. She did not want things snagging in the wood as she began shaping it to planks.
“Really does Vollie think logs will do such works….” Slapping her claws on the logs she began stretching and molding. It was a grand thing to be a mistress of magic it was. Made life so easy. Forming the logs to planks, and planks to suitable sizes for the food and game booths. The dragon flicked her tail. She worked hard to try and make life a little easy for some of her “friends” and “family” But she needed to be careful herself. Ears perked up as she listened. Chuckling slightly. Her tough tasted the air. The weather will be good for a few days. This was good. But something was nagging in the back of her head. Something was slightly , off. She didn’t like this off feeling.
Snapping her fingers the borders and logs stopped moving. She stood still. The hairs on her tail and neck bristled and twitched before they calmed down again. “Did not like that feeling at all” she shuttered. Whisteling she called for the banners and tarps that were going to be used to cover the booths. Tapping her lips with her thumb. Hope shook it off. “Time to work. No time to worrie..” clapping her hands rubbing them together she set back to work. Oh the marvels of magic. If she was lucky and got a little more help. This will all be done by dinner. So she hopped.
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Post by lemon on Jul 5, 2012 20:49:20 GMT -5
The harsh morning sun had risen high enough to cause an irritating beam of light to shine into the tent and onto Crow's face. Grumbling and scrunching up his face, he rolled over onto his side. He was awake, but kept his eyes closed, listening to the soft, muffled sounds of the cirque slowly kicking into gear. He sat up from his pallet bed on the ground and kicked off the worn quilt with a wide yawn. The inside of his tent was pleasantly cool, and strewn about were small items he had collected over the years that had struck his fancy; a rock split open to reveal a sparkling crystal inside, a tarnished yet lovely necklace chain, a few foreign looking coins (probably dropped mistakenly by a tourist to the cirque). It was rather dim, except for the shaft of light that had awoken Crow. A very humble living space, but subtly revealed the personality of the one who inhabited it. There was a soft rustling in a pile of scrap cloth on the ground next to Crow's bed. A scaly, hooded head emerged sleepily, tongue flicking lazily in and out. Crow gave another yawn. "'Morning, Jac." The snake looked up at Crow, hissing softly. He patted his head gently and lifted Jac, placing him around his slim shoulders. The serpent curled himself comfortably around his friend's neck. A stranger pair was never to be seen than Crow and Jac. Despite the extreme differences between the two, both shared the same bright, inquisitive eyes and easy, fluid way of moving. Crow gave Jac another pat and the snake returned the affection with a ticklish flick of his tongue on the snake charmer's cheek. Like a boy and his dog. A small mirror stood propped against a crate in the corner of the tent. Crow attempted to smooth his shaggy, sandy hair and stuck his tongue out at his reflection. He gave a small stretch before leaving the tent.
Crow had walked slowly across the grounds, appreciating the fresh, early morning air, and arrived at the main tent just as Voltaire was leaving. Late, as usual. He made his way across the dirt floor to where the rest of his cirque mates were sitting already sitting. "Good morning, everyone." Flopping down next to Lev, he looked around at their faces; it seemed that Voltaire had already given announcements for the day. "Did I miss anything important?"
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Tayuyaxn
New Carnie
[Excidium] + [Jens and Jared]
Posts: 49
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Post by Tayuyaxn on Jul 11, 2012 13:17:51 GMT -5
Excidium cracked an eye open, perched as he was on the high support beams of the cafeteria tent, when the people began to arrive to eat. He didn't have his own tent yet, and nobody had proposed to share yet either. So he made do with different places all the time. Preferably up high to not be disturbed. He chuckled as he thought that he couldn't find it in himself to blame them.
Demons didn't need sleep; he merely drifted off to pass the time, instead of actual restorative sleep and dreams like when he was human... That was such a long time ago... He barely remembered glimpses, but they were not important anymore. ''What would happen if demons could dream?'' he mused quietly to himself.
He rolled off the support beam ungracefully, only to deploy his still hidden wings to slow his fall down, landing with a soft thud. He only managed a two finger wave of his hands to say hello, not bothering to be social with the other carnies this morning, before straightening his tie, and brushing off some dust.
His mood changed lightning-quick and he snickered at the mention of Big Kitty running after a widdle harmless rabbit through the grounds; oh that had been a beautiful show and Excidium hadn't refrained of laughing at all, or to wield a superior smirk when he had asked cooingly if the nice little kitty cat had been able to catch his big bad prey.
Having heard the Ringmaster's speech, he briefly turned toward Voltaire and snapped up flames on and off, wearing a wide (shit-eating, some would say) grin; he couldn't work construction for shit, he was more about destruction. Which was the fun part, along with knives...and food.
Demons didn't need food either... but it was fun. He turned away without a word, but with a raised hand to mean he'd come back later, to go search if there was any chocolate and blood bags (The principal reason he could appreciate Punmal's presence in the circus was his food source, because that meant he could go and swipe some) in the food stores. Let the others build and create, it wasn't his cup of tea.
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Post by Lev on Jul 12, 2012 2:28:40 GMT -5
Lev nodded his head and came toward Escar, then pulled a chair and let it rest a few feet beside the table. Both hands pinched the leather on his upper thighs, pulling the legs of his pants up slightly as he sat himself down timidly, his eyes placcid despite their continuing illumination. It was clear that he and Escar probably didn't get a good nights sleep, but most expected it of Escar. Lev never much spoke about it, not that he ever spoke about anything that was ailing him. It wasn't long after Lev had sat down that Excidium had come down from his roost. It was nice to see that he had come to be well after the incident of his initiation into the cirque. Lev hadn't been around to see if he had been okay after all of that chaos, but in light of things, the balloon animal war was a bit of fun. As the new carnie had given a half-hearted wave, Lev closed his eyes and dipped his head in a greeting. It wasn't much, but far be it from Lev to be any kind of rude with any sort of intention. Voltiare, then, prepared his crew for the day.
The harsh clapping of Voltiare's hands were enough to wake Lev up a bit more than he had managed to do himself, and sunburst gaze met the ring leaders with what could only seem to be the loyalty of a good dog. The leon had a great deal of respect for the man. Not only was Voltiare fit and strong, but he had a sense of humor and the talent of a well-rounded leader. No one could ask for a better ring leader, and chances are, if they could, they probably wouldn't. As the finger 'wasn't' pointed toward Escar, and the beast-man apologized, Lev turned his gaze twoard him. There was a little mirth in Lev's expression as he returned his attention to their leader as he finished his greeting for the day. The strapping leon didn't have to say a word for any of them to know he was going to be there. When it came to helping, whether heavy lifting, or just there to hold something, it was as if Lev had given his life for that purpose.
As Escar mumbled, Lev's attention found Crow who bayed good morning to the crew. The boy had almost instinctively sat next to Lev and glanced around. It was clear that he knew he was late, but it seemed very few of the carnies were morning people. After Crow's inquiry, Lev shook his head and brought his hand up to the boy's mess of hair, tousling it for a moment before letting a grin seep through that strong exterior," Geud Moerning, Croew. Voeltiare ounly vishes teu haev hielp vith biulding. Yeu viell be dhere aefter eating?" He spoke, not particularly asking but more inclining to boy to help, before lifting himself from his chair and getting a few plates from another table, not too far from where they all say," Who sheall I searve?" To any who would reply, he would gather the breakfast items of the day and hand them out for his friends to eat, so they would not have to get up, themselves.
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Post by Voltaire on Jul 14, 2012 1:37:04 GMT -5
Escar could only sit and listen to the life buzzing around him, his eyes dared not to stay open any longer. He could make out who was talking, which was Crow, but couldn't understand a word he said. His soft, puny voice didn't reach his ears well, though whenever Lev's rough tone rang his eyes would snap open and all the gurgle would suddenly become crisp and clear. "You don't have to get me anything. Cyrill should be grabbing me some..." Escar's voice trailed as he slowly started drifting off to sleep again.
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Post by epicchibi on Jul 14, 2012 23:53:59 GMT -5
Hope stopped looking at her work. Sighing she stopped. Looking at her hands they gave a little twitched. Biting her lips, she stopped for now. She shrugged. Things were just getting odder and odder. “Odder things have happened me, I was a pet to a king in the forbidden city..” Laughing to herself. She saw the demon that walked by. He was new. Yet had that smell of age. So there were myths here that were almost as old as her. Well almost. She would have to meet and greet him properly soon. But for no. There was one thing on her mind. Food and some water. Lots of water. Grumbling she wondered if she could slip out later tonight to look for a pond, a lake or a river or something. This is what she gets for being out of water for so long.
Tail flicking she entered the cafeteria tent. Yawning she gave Crow a little pat on the head and Gave Escar a kiss on the cheek. “Time to wake up Essy” she said sweetly.
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Post by lemon on Jul 17, 2012 18:56:59 GMT -5
Crow ruffled his hair quickly and gave a small yawn. His still-tired eyes were still getting used to the brightening sun, even if it was muffled by the massive tent overhead. "Oh yeah, I'll be there, definitely." He smiled. Being one of the youngest carnies, he knew he had to carry his weight just as much as the others, and especially didn't want to disappoint any of them. "Oh and if you're going that direction," he quickly added to Lev, "I wouldn't mind some sausage, if there is any? Thanks!" Glancing around, he shifted awkwardly on the rough, wooden chair. He had a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. He couldn't quite place it...uncertainty? Apprehension? Jac, sensing his master's slight unrest, gave Crow a quick nuzzle on the cheek before curling himself back around his neck cozily. Crow's hand instinctively went to pat Jac. "Thanks Jac, I'm probably just hungry." He said quietly, mostly to reassure himself of the strange fleeting feeling.
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Tayuyaxn
New Carnie
[Excidium] + [Jens and Jared]
Posts: 49
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Post by Tayuyaxn on Jul 17, 2012 23:00:06 GMT -5
Excidium came back to the cafeteria tent sipping on his blood bag, with a pink straw, while his chocolate bars (three of them) and second blood bag rested in his jacket's pocket.
He picked a table where nobody was sitting yet, and sat directly on the table's top instead of using the benches, surveying the others with a devious smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, which turned into a big blood-stained smile whenever someone happened to meet his eyes directly.
He actually didn't have any particular reasons for that. Yet, anyway. He felt a little lazy (and bored) today, but a weird sensation had been trickling down his spine since he had gone out; it was like everyone felt some sort of unsease and it was puzzling him just what it could be the cause of it.
But something was bound to happen eventually, and it was just the anticipation about what it was that kept him from flying back on his perch and sleep some more.
He flicked his fingers lazily toward Escar, making a small flame appear in the air in front of him, at a secure enough distance not to burn him, but it would have bothered his whiskers if he had any in his human form.
The big kitty needed a serious wake-up call, because it wasn't Excidium who was going to do grunt work with some planks, and if there weren't enough workers, someone would come and bother him fruitlessly to work too. They were just lucky that he didn't feel like wrecking the whole tent out of boredom.
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Post by Lev on Jul 23, 2012 2:22:14 GMT -5
Lev nodded to the groggy cat and the blonde boy, turning around and gathering up a plate of Sausage for Crow and a rather large plate for himself. Most of the carnies knew that Lev wasn't greedy and that something needed to fuel the fire that made the big guy move. Especially, for today, if he was going to get to work. Although, when Lev turned around and had spotted Hope entering the cafeteria, he couldn't quite meet her eye as the flush emerged on his visage," Hiello, Miss Hoep. Ahre yeu feiling biehter?" He spoke with a softer tone than usual as he set Crow's plate in front of him and sat beside the boy. He couldn't quite get the other day out of his mind and was still flustered a bit at the thought. Hope certainly was a beautiful lady and her heart always seemed in the right place, but Lev wouldn't think of himself too far from being dangerous or unlucky. He didn't want to get her into any of his kind of trouble. It was then that the pang of the stitches rang in his side, but Lev the Stoic managed to press it down as he began to eat.
Golden eyes managed across the table, noting an uneasiness in the atmosphere amid them. There was an uncertainty in him as well, but that was because he thought that he might be the cause of it all. There wasn't another moment that passed with Lev's uneasiness, of course, as a little flame danced just barely beyond Escar's face. He paused eating for a moment as he took another glance around the cafeteria, noting a great, cardinal grin coming from the abrasive mannered man atop the table adjacent. He wasn't about to interrupt Hope if she desired to answer his question, nor did he want to cause an uproar for something he considered a little rude. It would be Escar's reaction that would have Lev deciding on what to do in such a situation. Until then, to distract himself, he managed to bring sunburst sights to Hope's countenance. He could feel himself flush again as he managed to give her a small, sheepish and very uneasy grin.
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Post by Voltaire on Jul 23, 2012 23:31:26 GMT -5
Escar finally came into realization of what happened when he sat up and his cheek felt different. He pawed at it as the blood rushed to his face, and he subtly looked around to make sure no one saw his reaction - especially Cyrill. Luckily, he was still turned towards the food. Then, it was at that time that a small flame burst in front of his face. Escar turned to glare at Excidium, letting out a low, gurgling growl, though it wasn't menacing - barely even passing as a warning to Excidium. After all the excitement settled, Escar finally came to realization of the eerie air that hung around them. Glancing around the tent, his whiskers quivered, and his eyes blazed. He stood up from the table and shifted as he cautiously stepped outside. He felt like all he could do was sit there and stare up at the sky and wait.
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Post by epicchibi on Jul 24, 2012 1:32:43 GMT -5
"Yes a little thank you.." she cough that sheepish smile. Cute. She looked to Escar leaving the Demon. She had not faced a demon in well before he-who-shal-not-be-said wanted to have an antichrist and her blood. Honestly whats with everyone and wanting dragon blood. She needs it too. Narrowing her eyes to the demon "Better be careful Lovely... you really don't want to be rude" Her wings came out of hiding from her spell. Violet wings puffing showing she was upset with the man that did what he did. It was to early in the morning for that kind of nonsense
She kissed Lefs forehead. Happy to do so, and to just see him redden more. It made her happy he was well doing that on the account what she had told him the other day. But. She grimaced. How did he feel that he knew what she really was. Not a lady but a dragon hiding as such? "Yes better...thank you..." she said lightly.Then whispered into his ear "Please keep that little event, of me showing you something I didn't want to show you under lock and key in your mind...please?" Pulling away looking slightly grim about what happened the other day. She looked to Crow. Thinking and hoping he had forgotten that incident too.
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Post by lemon on Jul 28, 2012 18:19:09 GMT -5
"Thanks, Lev." Crow chirped at Lev with a smile, digging into the warm food. He hadn't realized how hungry he was until he took a bite, and soon was swallowing the food in ravenous gulps. He looked up from his plate, feeling a change in the tent's atmosphere. He wasn't the only one who had felt that strange sense of slight dread, but he was reassured by the fact that he wasn't alone.
As he continued to eat, a small flicker of color and the smell of singed hair came to greet his senses, and noticed the single flame dancing in front of Escar's face. Crow turned around to notice Excidium sitting by himself on a table a few feet away, obviously the culprit of the lone flame. He narrowed his eyes and shook his head at the demon, a smile playing on his face before turning back around to his food. He had a strange liking for the demon, although Crow was wary and knew he should keep his distance, and he wasn't sure how much Excidium liked him back.
He could hear Lev and Hope whispering intently to each other in hushed tones, but didn't look up. He knew there was something going on between them, and it wasn't his business. When he felt a pair of eyes trained on him, however, he looked up to meet Hope's eyes and gave her a smile. The events of the other day had shaken him slightly, but his respect and admiration for her had not been lessened.
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Tayuyaxn
New Carnie
[Excidium] + [Jens and Jared]
Posts: 49
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Post by Tayuyaxn on Jul 28, 2012 23:23:45 GMT -5
''Rude ? Well, then, I apologize, Lady Fluffy Wings.'' Excidium said, hanging his head bashfully, even if his words were tinged with sarcasm.
He removed his illusions as well, spreading his own leather wings in response to her fluffing up her feathers, and allowed his tail to slither freely in the air, from where it had been wound around his waist, invisible. Hope had seemed to already turn her attention away, to Lev, whispering with him about things that were none of his concerns.
He shot a discrete grin back at the snake charmer though, who had shaken his head with a smile at his antics, and a grimace at the back of Escar's head. Pissy Kitty Cat really needed to loosen up.
''Dear co-workers, I would like to bring your attention to the weird tension in the air, just to be the one to state the obvious. For me, it means something exciting and fun is going to happen. For you, might be something exciting but not fun that is going to happen.'' He interrupted himself to make a loud slurping sound, finishing his blood bag before eating delicately a few squares of chocolate, then putting his pink straw into the second blood bag. ''You people might want to address that instead of all staring into your plates.'' He paused.
''Although I have to admit the plates are incredibly interesting, but I can't say I understand the need of your kind to sometimes ignore the obvious.''
His whole speech had been tinged with sarcasm and derision as well, it was apparently his default setting this morning. He didn't consider humans ''his kind'' anymore. To him, beside Voltaire and Hope, they looked all human enough, and thus, were pretty much tossed in the same category.
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