hiding in plain sight

It seemed his lone brooding would not be allowed to continue, for it was interrupted by a female voice as it cracked the silence. His back stiffened, but for the moment he made no reply, though he let his head swivel to bring her into his gaze. He'd neither heard nor scented her approach, though that was not hard to believe as he'd been quite caught up in his own thoughts. Paws flexed in the dirt as he stared at her. One of the yearlings who had been given rank - ranking higher than his even, though Hati certainly had no interest in her job. Talking, and politics. Advising. He was much more comfortable where he was, where he could revel in broken bones and bloody body, where his rage and pain fit in instead of made him a liability. Yes, he would not be in her position for the world... but it still chafed that a child was supposed to outrank him.

As to what she'd said... Of course he wasn't joyful. The closest he came to joy was during a fight, when his rage could slip the leash and overwhelm pain and emotions, and burn away memory. His breath huffed between his teeth, half harsh laugh and half irritation. "Joyful enough. I haven't killed anyone yet."



speech.