READ THE WORLD TODAY / meeting

[MYERS]

[align=center][div style="text-align:justify;width:55%;font-family:verdana;"]The idea of putting a hoop on his ear amuses the bear greatly. While he had no intent to disobey tradition, there was the thought that he'd look silly with jewels dangling from his face, an image of vanity that he did not possess. The kodiak holds out his metal paw, turns it over. In the metalwork are driven-in bolts, wires protruding from the joints that whir softly as he opens and closes his faux-claws. There would be a spot there, somewhere, to carry the gems Goldenluxury spoke of - a loop he could affix it to, or a spot that would take some welding with enough heat and careful work. Perhaps he wouldn't pierce his own skin because of the marks that already adorned his face, or it would just take time to warm up to the idea. For now, his arm would suffice to bear the identification she wished to bestow.

He listens, still contemplating the announcements. That was his name on the leader's tongue, wasn't it? Ahab, a sage among the ranks. He blinks, slow - it's a title for the books, he thinks, among all the less pleasant names he'd carried in the past. Telling her that no, his participation in the tryouts was only for the benefit of others, feels wrong when she put forth the time to recognize him; he'll take her word for it that he is capable of handling the lives of others.

Like both a demigod and an executioner, he can give life and take it away. The power stirs something like roiling fear in his heart.