as tave myliu [open/joining]

[GABRIEL]

[align=center][div style="width: 500px; text-align: justify; font-size: 9.4pt; line-height: 1.4;"]People were fragile in that way, susceptible to the grasp of decay and to the various distortions of personality that led someone to believe it was of no issue to leave a child alone- or worse, those who enjoyed the prospect of cruel suffering. In his time spent with the small band of people attempting to make a difference, he'd stared at many such people, although he'd also seen those who were at a complete loss, their spirits adrift in search of purpose. He hadn't realized he would become one of them, but such was the toll of life. It manifested in a multitude of forms; some were driven to lashing out at those around, some fell to their listlessness, and others burned out as Gabriel had. As despicable as it was for a person to abandon a child, he would not claim that the issue began and ended with that individual. If only it did. Blame would be so much easier to place, and there would not be as many shades of gray embalming them all. Then again, Gabriel had accepted years ago that nothing worth having would be simply earned.

It wasn't like that for the lost children, though, who had no real capability of independence, merely shadows of it. Lazarus had autonomy in providing for himself, yes, but independence involved a degree of choice-making. In terms of survival, the only other choice was death, which was no decision at all.

He was impressed by this child's tenacity, as he had been with Lazarus'. There were a few odd characteristics -why the mask?- but hell, Gabe was a walking hybrid of two creatures who were hardly the sort to tango with one another. He was one of the last people who would dish out criticism over a physical attribute, especially when Laz had those two little antler nubs sprouting by his ears. A worn skull wasn't the strangest thing he'd come across, even on a child.

The hybrid observed carefully as the boy puffed himself up, doing his best to appear more threatening; it was a valiant effort, but if Gabriel had wanted to eat or harm him, he would have only been amused. Instead, onyx eyes lowered slightly, warm yet heavy with a cryptic emotion. A moment later and they cleared, focusing once more, catching the uncertainty, and when he echoed part of Gabe's words, it occurred to him that the boy might not understand much of either language. If he could at least reply in them, he did not, although he didn't seem discomfited by the owl-cat's voice. He would have to find another way to communicate with him regardless. "Yes, ayudarte." Gabe nodded, and intended to guide the canine to camp for one of their many medical-experienced members to take a look, but before he could make an attempt, the pup meandered toward him, oddly endearing for an injured child wearing a bone mask.

He emitted a series of sounds, huffs that Gabriel assumed were intended to convey something, but of course he couldn't interpret. Not to mention he was a bit preoccupied with the small teeth suddenly at his talons. Why'd he have to go and pick the sharpest parts of him? He'd have been fine if the kid gnawed on his leg. Incredibly cautious, he gently removed the talons from the boy's grasp. "You can chew on those later, kiddo." He wouldn't understand, but Gabe had to say something for himself, at least, and he gave the wolf a thoughtful glance. The hybrid couldn't have him walking back, not with his little paws in that condition, and taking him by his scruff wasn't possible with his beak. All he could think of was carrying him, and Gabriel wasn't entirely confident in the outcome of that. Still, he had to try.

Gabe shifted around, and crouched down lower, to a height he hoped the child could work with. His head twisted -that part was all owl- to tap at part of his back with his beak, attempting to beckon the pup up.

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