If Not For You

Gabriel de le Poer · 05-04-2010, 10:17 AM

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300+ sorry for the delay

Gabriel was, by and large, a simple man. He did not value the material, and did not live a life of excess. The only items he hung onto were simple, like himself. Worn bags and books, all dog-eared and stained. They smelt like dry-rot and dust, mysteries and ancient secrets. Of all the things he held onto these perhaps were the most opposite of his lifestyle—Gabriel was not a man of science or education. He had been, once, a long time ago. Before the second fire. Before the first war (though it was not the first, and would not be the last). He had died many times, and each time, been reborn like Christ.

She had been here before, despite his warning. This caused a shadow to dim his eyes, however slightly. Women, he had learned, were by and large predictable creatures. Given a barrier, told no, they would rebel. His mother had done this, his daughter had done this, and he supposed every woman in the wide world had done this many times over. Still, her smile brought one to his lips. In the firelight, this looked very terrible. The crescent shaped scar on his muzzle burned bright against his black face. The question, though it stung, was not unexpected.

“Yes,” he answered, tilting his head and spilling his too-long hair into his face. He couldn’t remember the last time he had cut it. “I’ve lived alone for a long time.” His children had left first, with Fatin. Faolin had followed. None had returned to this home, save for the times when they had been gravely injured. Ezekiel had resented being cooped up, and Rikka had been so upset she had barely spoken for days. Both had left as soon as they were able. In a way, Gabriel had expected this. Everyone abandoned him eventually; everyone except Hybrid, whose loyalty Gabriel had never questioned. He suspected that Hybrid would follow him to the ends of the earth if asked, though he did not know why.

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