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Post by Fierfly on Aug 12, 2016 12:42:07 GMT -5
Renegade:
Nia's quip must have had some effect on the new-comer because he shaped right up. The cockiness was still there and it was all in jesting of course, but at least they had a name: Epicenter.
"Lovely couple"? Why did everyone who came up on him and a she-wolf automatically assume they were a couple? Of course a "couple" had a variety of meanings but given the situation he loathed to think of what Epicenter might have been implying. He had just finished explaining this all to Nia, did he really have to start his speech over again? He wouldn't, no thank-you, he wasn't going to repeat himself so soon after having warded off questions and an explanation. Let Epicenter think what he wanted, he didn't care.
He satisfied the itch behind his ear and echoed Nia's courteous but brief nod, "Renegade," he kept his voice low, and he kept his sharp blue eyes on Epicenter. He would be polite if Nia trusted him enough to talk, but that didn't mean he had to be friendly if he didn't want to.
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Post by tovaana on Aug 12, 2016 21:49:13 GMT -5
Nia. He nodded in acknowledgement And, Renegade. His eyes slid over to the not so social wolf- no, not unsociable, for, had he not been in an in-depth conversation with Nia just minutes ago? He considered the male for a moment, wondering what his story was and what he had against his own manner- or if he was naturally grumpy, or at least had some good reason for his silence. However the moment lasted briefly, because unless it had some advantage to befriending the wolf, he did not care…especially if the so-said wolf had no desire to enter their conversation.
“Well, Renegade, that wasn’t hard, was it?” He asked with a half smile, and while he had rested for a second he was on his feet once more.
“So.” He said, entering the river once more, his paws gratified by the cooling water, “This adventure of yours. Where is it taking you, or maybe taken you from, if the first has no answer…?" His words were probing, but still light as the feathers on a morning bird’s wings. Interactions with others, in Epicenter’s point of view, were for amusement and information. His duo eyes focused mainly on Nia, as to not make Renegade feel more uncomfortable, no need to force a wolf that didn’t want to talk. On the other paw, he glanced over occasionally to show the question was open ended for either Renegade or Nia to respond to.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2016 1:21:13 GMT -5
NiaThe tension between the two males was almost palpable. Neither of them necessarily seemed hostile toward the other, but it was clear that neither cared, either...which, Nia had to admit, concerned her a little, though she would not show it. Rather, she took it as a sign to keep the peace, both for her own sake and for theirs. She highly doubted that anything would happen—they merely appeared apprehensive—but then, sometimes it did not take much. Where she came from, she heard a lot about that.
Renegade's gaze bore into Epicenter as it had been doing all along, and the latter of them studied the blue-eyed shadow before focusing again on Nia, who took a moment to ponder the question that followed his quip. (Was he perhaps trying to push Renegade's buttons?) "Well," she began thoughtfully, turning to face him again, "my roots are far from here, so you can consider me a foreigner. As for where my paws are taking me...I really can't say. I just needed something different. I'm not the kind to stay in one place, at least not right now." Not while she was in her prime. 'Center received the same response as Renegade: perhaps one day, when the time was right, she would settle; but why stick to one place when she had nothing holding her back?
The she-wolf did not mind the attention. She was even beginning to want to know more about this curiously unpredictable character. While she attributed 'Center's interest in her to the other male's lack of receptivity, she understood if that was the case, given that she was engaging him partly so as to ensure his harmlessness. They each had their underlying motives, whatever his truly was, but at least the friendliness was as genuine as could be between two relative strangers. Still, though, Nia appreciated the calmer presence among them.
Once Renegade gave his answer, if any, she would return the inquiry, directed at the woodsy wolf: "How about you? You strike me as a wolf with an end game." Her words were casual, tone curious, lightened with the natural charm of a light, feminine voice.
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Post by Fierfly on Aug 18, 2016 7:55:16 GMT -5
Renegade:
The black male grunted at Epicenter's little teasing jibe of his speaking despite unwillingness not being so difficult. This male was something else altogether. Nia at least had given her information before asking for any and had done so casually, this one was fishing for information and Renegade didn't like to be probed. Straight-forward and honest questions like Nia's weren't so bad and he could always get around them - he could get around Epicenter's easily enough, but he did not like the calculating glint int he dual eyes and curious droning hum to the new-comers voice. If he was really so curious, he could just come right out and say it. Still - who was he to talk? Especially when he never really answered anyone's questions either...at least he didn't probe - or not so blatantly anyway.
Nia - who was beginning to look anxious at the unspoken rivalry and weariness between the two males kindly answered Epicenter's question. She was artful about it, not too many details, little more than she'd told him a few minutes before, but it was satisfying, or at least to him - curious Epicenter would almost undoubtedly probe further. Brilliantly she turned the question back on the earthen male. Aha! He applauded her; if he wanted to know so much then they could trade - he would be more than willing to answer a couple of questions should Epicenter try directing some to him again - after he heard 'Center's story.
Seeing that Nia had the situation under control and no one felt any need to include him in conversation (which he didn't mind at all and even welcomed) he sat back down, drinking in the warm sunshine and looking out at the river and lazy scene before him. To anyone watching - maybe even those participating he appeared to have withdrawn from the conversation - or was just sulking. No, he had not left and he was far from sulking, he was listening. He was a listener by nature - an observer; talking had never been a strong suite and he still didn't do it too much, but he could listen. Listen meant learning and learning about this stranger would not be a problem. If Nia kept him engaged and he continued to be so easygoing and willing to talk then it wouldn't be a problem at all. So he sat there, completely ignoring the two wolves that he could see from the corner of an ice blue eye and his ears turned to the river and surrounding lands, but he was actually listening to his fellows. The birds and river were a background hum despite the directed focus of the twin satellites, he was waiting for an answer.
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Post by tovaana on Aug 18, 2016 9:39:38 GMT -5
At Renegades acknowledgement to his tease he smiled, almost growing fond of the grumpy anti-social wolf. Everyone had his or her quirks, and this wolf didn’t seem to want anything to do with Epicenter. Fine. Epicenter never spent energy or worry over other wolves liking him, not the ones who were a lost case. Actually, Epicenter’s whole existence was to gain favor in others’ eyes- but only the willing and loyal who would follow him. Not all wolves were worth the energy, but he wondered if Renegade’s silent game would change once he was more comfortable with Epicenter’s loud demeanor.
As Renegade’s interest fell elsewhere, Center would not believe that he had withdrawn himself completely, or he would have left. He wondered at that too- did he stay for the femme? More and more he believed they were not connected like he had first believed.
Eyes turned to the female who spoke, Nia. A stranger to the lands, so she wouldn’t no much more than he, except that he had traveled quite a bit…Would he consider himself a veteran? Not yet. That came in gaining a pack, position… And she was a wanderer, as he assumed the male was as well. It was apparent with Renegade’s manners that he did not belong to a pack and probably would not without good cause.
“Again, aye.” He said with a smile that looked as guilty as he was. Center did not mind being transparent in some things. Yet, with the listening shadow, he knew his words would be scrutinized. “My past is a long story, I would not want to bore you.” His teasing tones changed then as he continued, “and I am on a quest. I have explored some of the valley, and now I go to see Sheba, great goddess of the mountain.” His words took on some of the excitement and energy he was feeling, standing up again and looking in the direction of the towering mountains to the east. “And I have plenty of other adventures ahead of me.” He added casually, his eyes still lit from unveiling his next stop. What would they do? Stop him? There was no reason to be honest in his short goals.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2016 19:40:18 GMT -5
I'm SO sorry for the wait! D: Moving stuff. I dare say that I'm—finally—settled in. <3
NiaNia could tell that Renegade was appreciative of his options, his freedom to either remain silent or chime into the conversation, and his visible state of comfort and contentment put her at ease. She understood his obvious dislike of Epicenter's attempt to probe their minds: as far as she knew, the ebony male was completely satisfied with the life he lived, and someone like that had every right to close his or herself off to others' questions. That was something she could not say for herself. Right now, her own future was up in the air, far from her sight. All she knew was that she craved change, but exactly what kind of change she could not place. New faces in a new place meant opportunity, though, and she saw just that in both her acquaintances—experience and wisdom in Renegade, energy in Epicenter.
Like the darker male, 'Center carried himself as if his paws had already touched much of what the Valley had to offer. If not so experienced, then he at least had a good idea of where he was headed next. This Nia discovered to be true as the woodsy wolf replied to her return question. Bore me? she thought, mentally scoffing at his teasing first words. I'd rather like to hear where he got the idea to be so bold. In truth, she was just as curious about the mysterious Renegade's past, but now was not the time for her to probe them. Certainly she would cross paths with them again, if or when they parted ways.
Right now, she was more curious about this...Sheba.
"'The great goddess,' huh?" she queried, raising a brow. The she-wolf failed to share his same excitement, though not by any fault of her own. Nia had only rarely heard mention of deities back home; the few who believed in anything were usually "swept under the rug," so to speak, due to their rarity. (It did not help that none of her old home's residents possessed any special powers, and that Nia had yet to know about the extraordinary powers available to those within the Valley.) Of course, being young, she still had an open mind and decided that she would investigate. She shifted her seated weight to one side, so as to let her right leg splay out some, and glanced absentmindedly toward the mountains, noting their imposing presence; she could understand how such a tedious journey could prove exciting. "I mean, forgive me for my ignorance...but, out of genuine curiosity, why go and visit this Sheba? A way of worship, or does she have something to offer?" She had only known deities not to lower themselves to mortals except under special circumstances.
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Post by Fierfly on Aug 25, 2016 21:24:20 GMT -5
Renegade:
It really was glorious spring weather. Laying his head on his paws and closing his eyes he could still view and analyze the picture in his mind. The river spilling past him, grasses bending in the light breeze and the idle, fluffy clouds sailing through the sky. He could hear a vole skittering out of its den to forage for seeds and baby birds squawked in their eager, demanding voices as a parent returned to the nest. He could smell the sun on the earth, and on the grass and on his fur. The sunshine was a wonderful, subtle smell, bringing life and warmth to all the smells that were already familiar and making them more complete; he enjoyed the scent, but enjoyed the subtlety even more.
His ears fell lazy but still listening to the sides of his head as though he were asleep. If he wasn't careful then it might have been true in a few moments, he really was almost asleep. However, listening to Epicenter's explanation was interesting enough to him to keep him lucid. "Bore them," he almost snorted. Oh no, he was very interested in this bold traveler. What was his motivation? Why was he so curious? Maybe it wasn't always the questions that bothered him so much...it always seemed to boil down to the motive.
"Now I go to see Sheba, great goddess of the Mountain." Renegade felt his shoulders relax and his breath escape him in a sigh. So that was it. This jaunty traveler was just a confident young explorer seeking a power. A charming and cheeky young explorer at that, he'd never heard any of the Three Sisters or even their Mother referred to as great. There had always been respect when they'd been mentioned in his previous conversations with others, but it was always...familiar. They were not "great goddesses" they were familiar with their subjects; except maybe for Geist. He'd heard about her demands of others to be worshiped. Taboo, now she was really familiar and he'd heard stories of her generosity and motherly gentleness. Sheba? Now he did snort; he never intended to be disrespectful, but Sheba was perhaps the most casual and scatter-brained of the three, both from stories and reports. If Epicenter thought flattery would get him anywhere with Sheba then Renegade was a turkey - one of those big noisy birds that ran around and flew about mindlessly; it was like trying to walk on jelly legs from nervousness: it just didn't happen.
Nia also questioned the description; which was understandable as she continued her query. She had been saying that she was new to the Valley, it wasn't surprising that she wasn't familiar with the area or stories surrounding the area. He yawned and settled back down with another sigh. He too was curious with Epicenter's motive for a visit...besides a power of course.
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Post by tovaana on Aug 27, 2016 15:11:24 GMT -5
Epicenter turned a brown eye on the quiet male. Was it his imagination or did he seem less up tight? That which was not a mystery, was no longer a threat? Like this male knew anything. He turned to the femme, busy in his thoughts, which grew annoyed with the male, that he found himself shocked by her words and distracted his initial thoughts. His lithe paws froze and he looked at her, trying to imagine what it was like to live as a stranger to the valley. His whole world revolved around the mountain and this femme asked him who Sheba was?
He studied her for a moment, wondering how he could approach the subject when Renegade’s snort brought the immediate attention to the earthy wolf.
“Too good for our conversation Renegade?” His eyes glinted dangerously, as he was at the end of his cool. His body kept still and calm, but his words were sharp and beckoning. Epicenter was not fighter, as he preferred to have others do his fighting, but he had no followers to do his bidding and he had not for a long time. He was good at adapting to circumstances, such as a lonely trek across the valley of the mountains.
With his gaze still on Renegade, his voice lightened as he directed them to Nia.
“Sheba, Nia, is one of three White Sisters that live on the tallest mountain in the mountain range. Each blesses, or curses, wolves with abilities and powers. Sheba cares for those of neutral standing, neither leaning to the light or submerged in darkness, like the other two White Sisters.”
He tore his gaze off of the offending wolf, and looked to Nia with a smile, “there are some who do not care for such things, but I have been taught and have been planning to go my whole life.” He glanced at Renegade, but not for long. “It seems I am not welcome, I apologize for interrupting this sweet gathering.”
Again he tossed a meaningful and accusing glance to Renegade before nodding his head to Nia.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2016 1:28:17 GMT -5
NiaIt seemed for a moment that things were calming down: Renegade had melted into relaxation, and she and Epicenter were conversing freely, becoming more cordial by the word. Nia found herself genuinely curious about this Sheba character, this "great goddess," particularly because the latter male seemed shocked by her inquiry. The first of them, in contrast, seemed rather unfazed by the utterance of the name, leaving her to wonder further as to whether or not the deity (rather, deities) was normally common knowledge.
Eager to know more about the Valley—and, now, the Mountains—Nia kept most of her attention on 'Center...until Renegade let out a snort, which elicited a cold brown-and-green stare from the other.
I should just bang their heads together..., she thought, her inner voice exasperated. Alas, she knew neither one of them well enough to scold them for their subtle bickering. Perhaps if the three crossed paths in the future, she would consider forcing upon them a few minutes of "bonding time," seeing as though Epicenter was quickly proving himself to be relatively harmless. At the moment, they were all still practically strangers, and so she would let this one time pass...
...and continue to hide her feelings behind a show of intrigue, though her eyes still seemed to say (albeit in a kind way): "Really, guys?"
"I see," she finally said. She mulled over Epicenter's explanation. Three power-wielding sisters, one of whom, Sheba, catered to "those of neutral standing." "The others must cater to either the good or evil, then, right?" Less of a question and more of a show of comprehension. While his next words could have easily been taken for a passive-aggressive quip toward the guiltless Renegade, she let it slide, instead acknowledging the small amount of...temptation?...that suddenly tugged at her.
Part of her wanted to follow the woodsy wolf, as bold and forward as he was, to the Mountain, so that she could see these sisters—and this power—for herself. Another part of her, however, told her that it would be a waste of energy if she found nothing. Perhaps attaining some kind of ability would help her find her way, to expand her horizons? No. She was content as she was...though the idea still loomed over her....
A few more moments of thought, and she returned the nod to Epicenter. She now wore a resigned expression, letting her dislike of the pair's animosity finally show through in response to his acidic glances toward Renegade, whom had managed to lead him on while doing nothing particularly wrong. However, her speech remained casual, if not friendly, and she cocked a brow: "If we ever meet again, I'd like to see this 'power' for myself." She had implied both a challenge and an invitation to talk if or when they next met, leaving room for Epicenter to leave on that note if he was no longer comfortable.
She would remain in Renegade's company if he wished for their previous privacy, but Nia also understood if he craved lonesome quiet. She was not sure yet if she really wanted to venture out on her own again, but her newfound company had given her confidence that the Valley would be good for her.
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Post by Fierfly on Aug 29, 2016 8:40:08 GMT -5
Renegade:
Oh how the tables had turned! Not so long ago, Epicenter had been most amused with Renegade's refusal to speak and Renegade had been bristling at the subtle interrogation. Now Epicenter was silently daring him for a fight and was just about to leave! Seeing the cocky rogue so put out was almost too funny, it actually took Renegade a second to get a grip on his quirking smile and bend the corner back down for a passive, polite expression. He raised his head and opened his eyes, widening them just a bit more than necessary to express his surprise and he cocked his head to the side. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to offend you Epicenter." it wasn't a lie. He really hadn't, as explained before, Renegade never meant to be disrespectful, he was just...standoffish and a little dubious was all.
He stood up and shook himself over, then replied to Nia's follow-up. "Yes, Taboo is the Sister of Good, Geist of Evil. White Magic, their mother, is a healer to all who go to see her." he glanced at Epicenter and decided to bring the ridiculous game of animosity (as fun as it was) to an end; having enemies was never something to be proud of and it certainly wasn't beneficial, he could feel Nia's trust in him slipping as well. "If I can, a word of advice from one traveler to another Epicenter. Your sweet-talking...your charismatic, charming approach to everything: it won't work on Sheba. Trust me, it will make no difference if you were to treat her like an old friend. I mean no disrespect to the Sisters or their gifts, but Sheba..." he grinned, "Let's just say that Sheba is an interesting character."
A slight itch on his muzzle made for a very convincing time to slap a paw over the bridge of his nose and continue apologetically. "I'm sorry to have offended you Sir. I won't stop you if you wish to continue but you are welcome to keep traveling with us for a while if you'd like to keep company, I have nowhere I need to be at the moment and if Nia is curious about the Mountain..." he brought his paw back down and shrugged, leaving the suggestion at that. "Good luck." he nodded sincerely.
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Post by tovaana on Aug 31, 2016 0:55:21 GMT -5
He nodded affirmatively at her question, when Renegade decided to graciously bless them with his vocal cords. He watched him warily as he apologized, slow to believe his words. Epicenter did not believe he was being sincere for him, but for the lady. Had it been just him and the dark wolf alone, he wondered what kind of grunts and grumbles he would have elicited from the shadow. He blinked and made a half effort with his nod and smile of agreement with Renegade’s first blurb of words. Having not heard but a single word from the wolf, the plethora of phrases did not seem to belong to the Renegade he had experienced moments before.
Epicenter came up with many things he wished to say to the wolf, but the bantering of words only sapped the energy from his pep he had felt not long ago. He decided it was better to just politely accept. The male was quite presumptuous, thinking he had figured Epicenter all out. And the way he kept apologizing- while normally he would be pleased with the groveling, he wasn’t sure how to take all the chatter all of a sudden. What really interested him was his last suggestion and he looked over at Nia, ears pointed toward her attentively. Then back at Renegade.
“Yes, it was hard to tell if it was an accusing or informative grunt.” Epicenter said blandly, his ego still smarting from his remark about Epicenter’s ‘approach on everything’.
Then he shook it all off, literally shaking his coat and letting it fluff then rest.
“I appreciate your concern of offense, but I think it was your silence that initially put me off. Perhaps, one traveler to another, I would offer this suggestion: to not judge as quickly as I judged you. First impressions can be quite misleading.” He bowed, as much of an apology as could be squeezed from this suddenly cautious male. He smiled then, the rest of any weight or frustrating thoughts fleeing. While he would love to stay and converse with the maiden, he needed a few days from Renegade, a new start- perhaps if they ran into each other again. Or even new scenery would suffice.
“Well, if the company of you two is headed to the mountain, then by all means, I am up to company.” He said, glancing at Renegade momentarily. “I am headed there now, I would not want to keep Sheba waiting.” He teased, and then entered the waters of the river more fully, ducking in to cool his muscles. As he exited the water he moved up the hill a bit, glancing at them both, but finally to Nia. “If not, then I will look forward to meeting you again with my new gift from Sheba, and I would be happy to escort you personally.” He said in an equally inviting and ‘up to the challenge’ tone.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 1, 2016 0:50:49 GMT -5
NiaAs she awaited Epicenter's response, something tore her attention away: Renegade. His speech surprised Nia nearly as much as it did the other male—save for, of course, the obvious doubt on his multicolored face, which she felt was understandable. Her first impression of Ren had been different, after all; even their short, impersonal conversation trumped the few words he had uttered to 'Center up until that very moment. Despite that, though, she hoped he believed him enough to take the apology to heart. A fight, especially one between two new friends, was the last thing she wanted. Ears perked as the dark male continued beyond his apology. Was he suggesting a tour of the Mountain? 'Center seemed to have absorbed Renegade's words by now and shot a glance at Nia, presumably regarding the same subject, but she remained quiet as she returned his gaze, allowing him to voice himself. The offer was all too tempting...but was she really ready to go sticking her nose in such business so soon? She had just arrived at the Valley and, even more recently, heard of the magic that occurred there. Nia maintained an open mind about this White Magic, her daughters, and the powers they allegedly dealt their visitors; but the question remained as to whether or not she wanted to get involved in it. It would be silly for her to throw herself so deep into this new life, these new ideas, so soon... ...and yet, her curious mind had other plans. What could go wrong? Epicenter welcomed Renegade's offer of company and started off in the direction of the Mountain. As he waded through the water and emerged on the opposite bank, the woodsy wolf looked to her for a response. His returned taunt caught her attention, and, after glancing between both males, her eyes fell again on Epicenter with a snort. "Oh, who am I kidding? If we don't come now, we'll have to wait till the white of winter to pick you out from the grass again." She winked. Hopefully that camouflage coat of his wasn't a sore spot...not that she cared much. With that, she hopped to eager feet and beamed at the darker wolf beside her. She was clearly appreciative of his offer of adventure and the pair's companionship, but she was also relieved—relieved at Epicenter's harmlessness and relieved that the tension between he and Renegade had been diffused. "Come on," she urged, nodding in their intended direction. "It seems these 'well-traveled' paws are already feeling rested~."~Exit Nia~
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Post by Fierfly on Sept 1, 2016 12:48:50 GMT -5
Renegade:
Epicenter regarded him wearily and he couldn't blame him. Epicenter had no more reason to trust the shadow who had been silent for so long than Renegade had to trust such a talkative and curious stranger, but Epicenter's sudden weariness after having been so open and talkative was still amusing. Nevertheless he complied with the suggestion and looked to Nia invitingly who also weighed the options for a moment. Finally she threw hesitation to the wind and got to her paws, turning eagerly to the looming peak they were traveling to. He nodded and began to follow Epicenter, wading into the cool water to cross the river. Reaching the opposite bank, he paused for a moment and stared at the Mountain. He didn't often have a destination in mind when he wandered, but he could make an exception this time.
Now he breezed ahead of Epicenter, his long, slim legs carrying him gliding forward. He has headed someplace, he had a purpose to this trip. It was not just to show Nia around or to continue to try Epicenter's patience, there was always a reason...
-Exit Renegade-
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Post by tovaana on Sept 1, 2016 19:13:43 GMT -5
Epicenter’s tail swayed and he barked a curt laugh at her joke, amused rather than offended. It was actually common for him to be missed by the casual passerby while taking a nap in the spring. He smiled, Renegade once more silence, came across. He let him pass him by, eyes resting on Nia, waiting so he could match strides with Nia if Renegade did not want to.
While his thoughts were mostly present, they started to wander - wondering about Sheba and the other White Sisters. It was interesting how he had followed his father's steps in the nuetral path. He had never felt drawn to evil or good, both seemed too out of balance and a lack of taste. He assumed by their manners that both Nia and Renegade would also look to Sheba, rather than the other two. Perhaps Nia was good? She had just entered the valley... He watched her cross, his toothy smile waiting for her. Then he moved in the same direction toward the mountain, the pep back in his step as he moved, feeling both excitement and power in each step as it pushed again the soft ground.
-exit Epicenter-
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