running in the shadows — 8/11 meeting

[buckingham barnes]

Padding in on soft paws, the maine coon quietly made his way over to the meeting, entering after Quantum. This was Buckingham's first meeting at Sunhaven, and it seemed like there was a lot for him to take in. At the edge of the crowd, the former assassin sat himself on the ground, ears pricking up as he focused his gaze on Jericho. The meeting first began with welcoming new members, to which Bucky caught his own name in the mix- it was nice to feel welcomed here already, especially by the leader. "Thank you for the welcome," The male gave away his presence, eyes gleaming with appreciation.

After the welcome, came the promotions. Bucky wasn't expecting to hear his own name in this particular announcement- he still considered himself to be a new member, and he's slowly learning and adjusting to this peaceful clan life. Plus, he hasn't been around enough for a promotion, so he held no surprise when his name wasn't mention- if anything, he'd be surprised if he did hear it. "Congratulations to Pele, Stellamaris, Mama Ishayu, Quantum and Monroe!" The former assassin mentioned with a meow, his bushy tail wrapping around his front paws as he continued to listen.

What really caught his ears during the long meeting were the guilds and home system. Buckingham loved the idea of the home system- it was a great way to help him feel included and more at home in a clan he hasn't lived in before. Buckingham already got himself a house- which was a docked boat. He hasn't really lived in a home before, but he was enjoying it so far. It was a new experience- he's already gotten used to the boat rocking occasionally. Buckingham didn't really care much for the art or medicine guilds. Medicine was never really Bucky's forte- he didn't have a great experience using herbs back when he was a juvenile(that's a whole another story for another day) and art hasn't ever been in his interest. The warfare guild would suit him best. That's probably a bad sign for the tom, considering he wants to change his ways- but he can't get away from war. There's a quote that can easily explain Buckingham's dilemma:

They made you a weapon and told you to find peace.

Bucky used to be a weapon- an asset, a loyal pawn to a creature he'd like to say is worse than the devil itself. Despite how badly he wants to live a peaceful life for now on, he knows in the back of his head that he just can't. After he abandoned his handler, and through those months were he continued to live as an individual, self working assassin- he grew close to people, and relationships grew. He finally got to know what having friends were like, knowing what that feeling is in his chest as he worries for other's safety and well being. As an asset, he didn't care for the slightest of people's safety, thoughts, and opinions. He used to kill without a thought, he used to be that enemy that Sunhaven would fight against for the safety of others. It was all for the mission, people used to be nothing but targets. But that changed completely the moment he got away from his handler. He was able to realize he can use his skills to defend other lives, and he got to think of that even more when traveling by himself. That feeling in his chest never left him, and he knew it would be impossible to ignore it. It wouldn't be right, especially if he had the skill right at his finger tips. He can use it for better use this time around.

He looked around for Quantum in the crowd, taking note how she's officially the head slayer now. Once his gaze landed on her, the male gave a nod of congratulations, before fixing his attention back onto Jericho and listening to the rest of the meeting.