[Hellion]

I'm sorry for the person I became

I'm sorry that it took so long for me to change

'I wouldn't want to be guarded by him,'

Stupid chatter from a few leaving prey-hunters caught Hound's ear. Refusing to look in their direction he couldn't stop the words as they root themselves deep in his head. Igniting old memories, pulling open scars. He had hoped that living in their new mountain home would help distances himself from the actions of his youth. Give everyone time to heal, allow the guilt to fade. It seemed his wish had been in vain. Time did him no favors.

Usually, he let the comments go. This time he couldn't. He could feel their eyes on him. Watching as he moved to take up his nest near the edge of the cave-guard's grotto. His nest a bit meager compared to mosts, he liked it that way. The simple pleasures of a lush nest didn't come easy to him. Usually, it was the prey-hunters that offered soft feathers to guards, few hunters thought of him in any sort of positive light. It didn't help that he had little interest in asking a prey-hunter for feathers.

Adjusting his nest a little with a forepaw, he paused. The hunter from earlier speaking again, making a show of it this time so that anyone in the area could hear their cruel words.

'I don't see why Skyteller lets him stay'

Unable to stop the kneejerk reaction, Hound turned to stare down the cat who uttered such a phrase. In a battle of wills, Hound found himself victorious. Not that he wanted to win. He only wanted a moment of peace. Defiant in their actions, the hunter turned to their gathered nook-mates and started to whisper. Eyes shifting in random intervals to glance in Hound's direction. A blind cat could see the conversation continued to be about him.

Stifling a huss of frustration, Hound kicked away his nest, heading in the direction of Skyteller's den. Hound wasn't the type to seek out Skyteller's advice. Not that he disliked the older tom-cat. He always assumed the tom had more important things to worry about then the bullying of a tribemate. Despite how hateful the comment was, Hound needed to know. Did Skyteller want him to stay? Or was he scared to ask him to leave? Had his past finally found a way to ruin his future? Conflicted as he stood near the entrance to the sacred part of the tribe's home. He called forth. "Skyteller! Can I talk to you?"

Snarl of Black Hound

background image | who i am hates who i've been | base table by phoenix

Note: first ever post with hound, getting a feel for him still
Taxx

Ghost the Undead Goddess - if you wanna spectate

[Taxx]

In the middle of sorting herbs, Skyteller was startled by the call, his head jerking around toward Hound. His amber gaze immediately noticed the younger tom's distress, and he rose, leaving the task for later as he gave Hound his full attention. Beyond, down the short tunnel, he caught sight of a few glowers aimed at the cave-guard, but as they noticed his stare they averted their glares and hustled away.

"Of course, any time. What's on your mind, Hound?" Was he still having trouble as a result of the accident? Fox's fall had been tragic- how could any cat see it otherwise? Hound had been devastated, and while he could understand Fox's mother's anguish at the loss of her son and her blaming Hound for it, he didn't understand the reasoning behind the others turning on the young guard. He couldn't make them change their mind, but this was beginning to go too far. "Come, sit. Would chamomile help? Or do you just want to talk?"

[Hellion]

I'm sorry for the person I became

I'm sorry that it took so long for me to change

Once welcomed into their healer's part of the den. Hound's tail flicked back and forth. His ears burning with frustartion. His paws itched to pace back and forth but he forced himself to settle. To relax and not burn a path in the cave's floor.

As Skyteller offered a herb to help, Hound shook his head in refusal. It didn't help then, would it now. Shuffling his feet where he sat, Hound let loose the words he held buried in his heart for many moons.

"Do you want me to stay here? I hear the whispers. I know what everyone thinks about me." He paused, voice catching as emotions bubbled to the surface. They blame me for Fox's death. I didn't mean for it to happen. He was my best friend," He wanted to cry as young kits did for their mothers, but he forced himself to hold back. The minor break in his composure making him uneasy. Hound hated feeling weak or allowing others to see past his tough exterior. Skyteller no different.

"My best friend died, my mother hates me and my tribe is afraid of me. I'm better off lost in the mountains," Defeated with his words, Hound glanced past his healer toward the entrance to the sacred pool where Skyteller would view omens from their ancestors. He wondered to himself if Skyteller ever saw a sign of Fox if the orange tom-cat wanted the worst for Hound in revenge.

Snarl of Black Hound

background image | castle | base table by phoenix

Taxx

[Taxx]

Hound refused the herb, but he was far from at ease, if the rapid flicking of his tail and his hunched posture meant anything. Skyteller said nothing, instead giving the black cave-guard the chance to pick his words and speak. He couldn't help a blink of surprise at the question, but he was saved from having to answer as Hound swept on, venting his frustrations for the callous remarks of his Tribemates.

"Not everyone," Skyteller replied, offering a flick of his tail against the younger's side. "Some might not be able to believe that what happened was an accident, but it was, and accidents happen. You're not to blame for Fox's fall, Hound. You know that. Sometimes- grief can cloud a cat's mind. Don't mistake me, this isn't an excuse for their behavior, and I will talk to them. We're supposed to be one Tribe and I cannot allow them to continue this." His eyes flicked again toward the main cave, though nobody was in sight now, and he smothered a sigh.

"We will handle this. Perhaps if you come, and we will talk and make them understand your side. This must end, Hound. Can you do that?"
Hellion