it will rain ;; reintroduction

[cavalrychoir]

[align=center][div style="border-width:0px; width: 60%; text-align: justify; font-family: verdana; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 140%;word-spacing:-1px;"]Both his heart and mind weren't prepared for the situation he knew would arise. He knew he'd need to face her at some point but he never anticipated it would be so soon. Was it soon though? He's been here for a few days now though his presence could be found out in the territory. Since his arrival, this was the first time he had step foot back into camp. His mind was scrambled with thoughts and questions though he spoke nothing of it, afraid of the emotions tied with it; weary of what he may discover about himself. But he couldn't keep running, could he? All he did was run and he acknowledged that. Ren was large and hardened by countless battles. He knows all too well the snapping of bones and blood on his teeth. The feeling of something smaller struggling underneath him and how they would slowly lose all strength until they stopped moving. He's faced foes twice his size and came out victorious- broken, bloodied and bruised, and barely alive... But victorious. Dark red orbs have gazed at murder and pillage with triumph as if everything was a game. And to him, it was. Collect as many others as possible, convert as many as possible, kill as many as possible. There was no limit or discretion in his actions and he didn't care. But now, that was all he thought about. Ren feared speaking to someone in a way that would elicit a harsh negative reaction- especially if he wasn't trying to be rude or intimidating. Though he would hold himself together, his eyes would surely start to water. He's caused so much pain and strife, then and now.

"Coward."

Though originally a playful jest from his companion, the male felt his stomach twist. They weren't wrong. He couldn't be honest, could he? The person he swore to protect, he's caused the most harm to. Not just him, but he allowed others to do it as well and yet she's met him with nothing but kindness. In the back of his mind, he knew what they had wouldn't last. He knew something was going to happen that would tear her away from him- nothing so perfect would last forever. It clung to his mind like wet fabric and made him just as uncomfortable too. He long decided that should that day come, he wouldn't be upset because that's how things were for him. It wasn't like he deserved her anyways. It was a selfish to entertain the thought of having her to himself... A cruel one too. After leaving her side so many times, he upheld his promise of always returning but after the wear and tear her put on her heart and mind, he doubted that meant anything anymore. And if it did, it shouldn't.

The corners of his mouth turned up slightly in a faint smile, growing slightly nervous towards those introducing themselves. He was content though, finally being able to speak with another creature after so long. Sure he had Anatole but nothing could compare to speaking with someone face to face, watching the way their eyes would shift or the way their expression could change in mere seconds. Ren bit down on the inside of his mouth in attempt to keep himself grounded and not excuse himself from the small group. He wanted to stay a bit longer not only because of the previously mentioned first impressions but in case any familiar faces wanted to drop by. The demon was desperate to not look as awkward as he felt, rolling his shoulders to ride himself of sore muscles when in reality, he needed to move to keep himself sane. He really wasn't the most social person and constantly needed to check himself as to not come off as dominating. And as if on cue, a flood of memories flickered before his eyes. Memories of abuse, screams mixed with laughter, the clanking of shackles, the overbearing smell of blood and sight of carnage... This scene was familiar but the viewpoint was all wrong. He wasn't in the cages. He-

His blood ran cold at the sight of faerie wings. Their backs stained with blood as their wings were ripped and tossed to the side. Why was he remembering this now? Of all the times to recollect such a horrid memory. Was it because he was thinking of Delilah? Is she here? And as if manifesting that energy, seconds later he watched as Delilah strode over to them. Although her appearance has changed, the giddy feeling what welled up inside him remained. What should he say? Should he apologize for his sudden departure? Gods, he had so much to tell her. She had to be confused and maybe mad. Ren wouldn't blame her if she was mad. In fact, he would be shocked if she wasn't considering she has every right to be. Giving himself a shake, he pushed aside the sudden memories for now. He kept his gaze and expression even as she approached, though he could be seen shifting his weight from paw to paw in what could only be described as happiness. She looked amazing, right? It wasn't just him? What happened to her wing? Is she in pain? If he'd known that, he would have went to her instead to save her the trouble of walking around. When she stopped before him, he offered her a kind smile though it was met with nothing.

"Welcome back, Ren."

The lynx's eyes widened for a second as what could be described as a grimace flashed on his face before his previous neutral expression returned. All good things must come to an end. How cruel that he was the one to be the cause of it. To kill something so sweet and caring. A bond woven so deep between them Ren would go so far to even call it Fate. Her greeting, from an outside perspective was normal but to him, he felt like he was being burned alive. The venom coating her words ate away at his skin and bones, devouring Renny but leaving Ren behind. He swallowed back the lump that formed in his throat and ignoring the questions Anatole bombard him with, he replied calmly. "Thank you, Delilah." He held her gaze, feeling and accepting the anger that burned under magenta irises. He remained silent as he held her gaze a moment longer before suddenly jumping to his paws, the sudden realization hitting him hard. "You-" he stopped, permanently slotted pupils fell to his large paws as he searched for the words. "You know now, right?" He asked, lifting his head. "I was looking through your eyes." He was stating the obvious but he wanted to let her know he received the memories and understood. He sat back down, wishing they could continue this somewhere else but it appears that won't be possible. "I... wanted to tell you but I was not sure how. I am sorry." That wasn't good enough, he knew that. Nothing he could say or do will ever convey the sincerity behind his words.

As he felt the lump in his throat grow, his ear flicked involuntarily when a familiar voice spoke up. Ah... Did Vigenre not remember him? For a moment, he let his mind explore the possibilities of how this may be but decided it mattered little. Though he was concerned for the other and how something like this may occur, he liked Vigenre. He didn't mind reintroducing himself and befriending him once more. The two didn't have as much history as he did with Delilah but here's to hoping that will change. Ren would dip his head in greeting, echoing his words. "Luminary?" Did they change the ranks? He's been gone a while so he's definitely a bit behind. "I apologize but may I ask about the ranks? It must have changed since my last stay." He responded, a small smile parting his lips. It was a kind gesture but truthfully, it was all he could muster right now. "But I have been settling in alright, thank you for asking." It was quite peculiar holding a normal conversation after his and Delilah's but it was a nice change of pace for his brain.