stranger than earth

Everywhere — a breath. Were you ever so hungry? Did you ever see so much potential in the horizon? No; no. You wanted only your home and your family, the cool strength of your mother's voice and the soothing comfort of your father's. The stories he told. Knowledge of your clear superiority. Now, all you have is her. You make no comment. Your eyes rest coolly on her silver shape. She is going to get into trouble, and you are going to follow her. She is going to be threatened by this world, and you are going to tear it apart the moment it tries. You know this. You know this without even thinking about it — the decision made without conscious input. You, the two of you, dark stars burning through the Rift — But then something else. Sharp — danger in the sudden twist of your head. The flare of your nostrils. The flick of your ears. For an instant, you're all muscle and sinew. The flaring of wings, the gleam of violence in your eyes. But it's only a boy, wingless and ugly and gold. A boy who might be a little familiar if you had cared to study anyone in your homeland, but you did not, and so he is not. Your gaze narrows as it travels over him, assessing now for threat. His voice is soft. Uncertain. Good. He should fear you. He should be bowing his damned head in deference, but he's probably stupid, and so (in a rare act of mercy) you don't hold it against him. Instead you step forward, your entire body drawing up to its full height, swan's neck holding a graceful arch, eyes suddenly full of — something. Maybe the word is anger, but that doesn't quite fit, does it? Maybe intrigue is better. The expression is just — you. Intense. Savera speaks first, and it isn't really what you wanted her to say. Your eyes move but your head doesn't, a brief sideways glance which might be a question and might be irritation. She's playing some kind of game. You don't understand it. You don't want this stranger's help in any way — you're better than him! A muscle stands out in your jaw as you grind your teeth, deliberating. You could — you could trample over whatever plan she's making. But you don't want to upset her. She is your little sister, and she is clever, even if she is strange.... Maybe you ought to let her lead, for now. You think you could take control of the situation if needed. So with a heavy sigh and a too-obvious roll of your eyes, you step back, grunting. And maybe to the stranger you just seem like any other older brother exasperated by his little sister's need to ask directions. countdown to selfdestruct

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@Galahad @Savera
ooc// You are absolutely welcome, Hawk ;D