[The green-eyed boy must chase his hated sister across the landscape to claim the his time in power, twist it from her cold fingers, and withstand the snapping of her wolves. He would never imagine giving such trouble to his older brother. Even if his brother's touch burns even him, Spring Reposing Within offers up the end of his reign.
He watches the light flare and the grass begin to wither.]
[It's a lot easier to stay in the fur right now, even though he usually prefers coming to Spring as a boy. It's the tiger than comes up beside him, nudging his head up under Spring's hand.]
[Many years since he dared to show his teeth to Spring, but he snarls now, pushing in close.]
Yes.
[No pretence, he has always battled with this fate, questioned it many times before. But without Spring, without his servitude, it would be worse. This he can hold onto, keep as his own, at least until his time is done.]
[It amuses him, distantly, that Josias would snarl, but he doesn't stand for that sort of impudence. The earth is suddenly much closer, colliding into Josie's back as Spring settles a knee over him, a hand at his throat.]
[Josias is not a tame animal, not a pet, and although he is still and quiet under Spring, he is not completely subdued. The snarl may be gone from his mouth, but his eyes hold the same fight. Because he would fight for this - not his choice, he is now Spring's creature, and he will not have that taken or questioned by anyone.]
[Some of the remaining tension slips from him under that scent, under Spring's touch. Nothing like the fever, though, his wits remain and his hurt and anger - partly soothed by the warden - have been stirred again by the way Spring tried to reject him. No permission to speak again, but he lets his head fall back a little more, further baring his throat. Quietly,]
[A faint smile. A clever little beast, isn't he. There have been other tigers as belligerent, if not more so, but none have been his Blue, it does make Josias stand out in his memory.]
My interest is not something you should aspire to.
[They are entirely different creatures. The tiger should remember that.]
[He can't remember exactly what he was like before, how he viewed the world, acted with others. Perhaps he did have a sharp tongue, a habit of forgoing tact, but it's likely the Tiger has brought those to the surface. And then there is Spring's influence, he can't deny he has had a large part in shaping who Josias is, now. The greed especially, the greed and gluttony for his attention and his interest. What else is there left for him to aspire to? Selflessness, like the wardens?]
He watches the light flare and the grass begin to wither.]
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I am over now, tiger, there is no call for you to be here.
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There is never a shortage of beds for you to find your comfort in.
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Your time may be over, but I am always yours.
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[Don't even pretend he didn't hear that conversation, Josias.]
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Yes.
[No pretence, he has always battled with this fate, questioned it many times before. But without Spring, without his servitude, it would be worse. This he can hold onto, keep as his own, at least until his time is done.]
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Hush, kitty.
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Very troublesome.
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How else am I to keep your interest?
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My interest is not something you should aspire to.
[They are entirely different creatures. The tiger should remember that.]
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[He can't remember exactly what he was like before, how he viewed the world, acted with others. Perhaps he did have a sharp tongue, a habit of forgoing tact, but it's likely the Tiger has brought those to the surface. And then there is Spring's influence, he can't deny he has had a large part in shaping who Josias is, now. The greed especially, the greed and gluttony for his attention and his interest. What else is there left for him to aspire to? Selflessness, like the wardens?]
If you'd prefer a mouse, you should keep a mouse.
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Hush, kitty.
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