STFD | Joining

[wormwood.]

☆ HUNG PICTURES OF PATRON SAINTS UP ON MY WALL TO REMIND ME THAT I AM A FOOL. TELL ME WHERE I CAME FROM, WHAT I WILL ALWAYS BE: JUST A SPOILED LITTLE KID WHO WENT TO CATHOLIC SCHOOL —

Anti's words did nothing to inspire any sense of ease within Aurum, just making the proxy even more tense than before. An old wound that would never close up? Blood staining his paws and marring his pelt? The scent of death and decay in the air? All of it reminded Aurum of some of his worst nightmares, like the very essence of withering had risen up from the very depths of hell. The arrival of others made the lion feel slightly more relaxed – even though he knew very well that he could defend himself handily if it came to that – but it seemed as though the others were no less suspicious. Both Vignere and Selby were especially understandable, considering they both had children that lived within the group. Aurum felt conflicted, for the first time in quite a while. On one hand, he had no proof that Anti had done anything wrong. On the other hand, Anti was doing nothing not to warrant their suspicion and anxiety. Without Leroy's extra presence at the other's joining, that meant that Aurum was highest in terms of power, and he would be the one to ultimately decide if Anti could stay, or if he would be forced to go. It wasn't a pleasant position to be in, but it was ultimately the one that he had chosen when he had accepted his promotion. Looking towards Vignere, Aurum sent back with a visible sigh, "I don't trust him either... if he doesn't have an even somewhat plausible excuse for the blood and scent, I will not allow him in, I assure you." He wasn't about to lose anymore people he cared about.

Offering a nod to Selby and Margaery, the proxy then turned his one eyed gaze back to Anti, clearing his throat before he spoke firmly, "I understand that you're eager to join, and I'm sorry to be so suspicious, but... you have to understand why we'd have our concerns. Especially since we've had troubles with violence in the past. Do you have any explanations for the blood on your paws, or the... scent you have on you? It isn't exactly the best first impression, if you understand my meaning." Perhaps the stench and blood was just from prey? Although it seemed unlikely. Even the largest of prey wouldn't produce such a strong and awful scent, and he had never seen blood stain someone's fur so thoroughly. Even when he had taken down the largest of deers or gators within the forest or swamp, he was usually able to wash himself off in a stream nearby. Anti seemed to just scream that he was from some sort of vicious and violent group like the Pitt, and his only real saving grace was the fact that the scent of the desert didn't cling to his fur. Part of Aurum just wanted to turn him away right now, before he could have the chance to lash out and hurt one of the four tanglers currently present, but he decided to give the other a chance. A brief saving grace, just so that they could get some sort of explanation.

[div style="text-align: right; text-transform: uppercase; text-shadow: 0px 0px 2px #1B1B2F; font-size: 24px;"][color=#44437F]— AURUM

#psychosocial.