Keeper.

in the stillness of remembering what you had and what you lost and what you had...

[elksakeeper]

is there anything that would make you turn your back on any of the walkers?

For a moment Novi considers, casting back through all the Memories of the island for instances of betrayal they have witnessed. Families torn asunder, friends, lovers, brothers - relationships so badly damaged that nobody can see a way forward. 

Still, there is nothing that convinces them. Nothing save that which is unthinkable: that one Walker would kill another in cold blood.

“No,” is their final answer. “My people are all I have. I would not abandon them for all the stars in the sky.”

[elksakeeper]

[mass-effect]

Stand amongst the ashes of a trillion dead souls and ask the ghosts if honor matters.

Javik (via mass-effect)

[broken-siren-deactivated2016051]

The sun felt amazing on Serene’s skin. She rarely ever felt warmth, and since the weather was getting somewhat warmer, she wanted to take advantage of this. In the water of the Lagoon, it was hard to get warm, and most of the mer didn’t seem to mind being cold, but this was another thing that set her apart from the rest of them.

She walked through the forest, doing her best to navigate herself to a place she had found a few weeks ago. Her eyes landed on a small pathway through the trees and a small smile graced her lips. She maneuvered over to the clearing and her eyes landed on someone who was in the already in the meadow. She watched curiously, and stayed in her spot in the shadows of the trees.

[elksakeeper]

It is only a moment before Novi becomes aware of somebody lurking in the nearby trees, and they have to resist the urge to sigh as they place their pile of flower crowns to one side. They’re so tired of this, of never feeling able to find peace. In that moment, Novi feels nostalgia for the old days, when Ris was Keeper and Walkers were the only inhabitants of this island.

“Who is there?” They ask, already risen up to crouch on the balls of their feet, prepared to run at a moment’s notice. Their Elk form may not lend itself to stealth, but they are a fast runner, and if Novi can get far enough away to change shape, they are confident they will not be caught.

[snippysoka-deactivated20160520]

Their ears twitched and they shot up from their vertical position on the ground. They set their hands on either side of them and turned their head to face the other. It dawned on them that they must have been spotted. So much for spending their day alone.

{No} Their answer was short and a bit too stern then they were meaning to go for. {I just wasn’t planning on talking to any of you for a little}. Saka was not good at hiding their emotions, especially since they spent so much time around humans. Even they were not as good at hiding their emotions as they thought they were.

[elksakeeper]

{Oh...} The abrupt nature of Saka’s reply leaves Novi uncharacteristically speechless, their dark eyes large and wounded. Perhaps their words weren’t meant to hurt, but they stung like a slap all the same. {Why?}

Because of that boy? The one Novi has so diligently kept from Kane and Ania for fear that them finding out would result in Saka being hurt, and perhaps leaving them altogether? They wanted the youngest Walker to have the freedom to choose for themselves, to learn for themselves, but if their relationship with this Hawk is causing them to pull away from their family... how much longer can he stay a secret?

[flickerinyoureye]

He couldn’t be a pirate, that much she was sure of. They didn’t usually come this far in. He looked too old to be a lost boy, even from this distance, but pirates barely ever came to these lands, especially not alone. Flicker squatted by the forest’s edge, watching closely. He could be a merman, she supposed. In fact, that was likely. Sometimes they came out of the lake, right? In any case, this was out of the ordinary and possibly Not Good. She should stay and watch, to report back to Dawn.

[elksakeeper]

Humming quietly to themselves, a comforting refrain from the old days when there was far less to be afraid of, Novi weaves a final flower into the band and looks over their handiwork. Satisfied, they hang their finished garland on the knot of a spindly tree growing nearby, and are just about to pluck a stem of grass to start a new one when they are struck with the feeling that they are being watched.

What to do? They planned to run back into the woods at the first sign of trouble, but if they don’t know where the other person is - or, indeed, if it is a person at all - they might end up getting caught. Instead they sit, frozen, waiting for a sign.

[snippysoka-deactivated20160520]

Saka loved to explore, it was something they did when not accompanying the Lost Boy they cared for so much. They especially like the meadow. It was peaceful, and there they would be left alone until someone came looking for them, which was rare, but it’s happened. They wandered into the meadow, and cocked their head upon seeing another already here. They had to narrow their eyes to make out who it was, but they came to the conclusion that it was Novi. They debated on leaving, but came to the conclusion that they would just keep to themselves unless approached. So, they took a spot that was a comfortable distance from the other, and laid down on their back, staring up at the sky.

[elksakeeper]

Hearing movement at the edge of the meadow, Novi’s nervous fingers still in their movements, their head snapping up to locate the source. Even here they are highly-strung, holding themselves stiffly until they spy tufts of familiar wispy brown hair amongst the grasses. 

{Saka?} Novi calls softly, concerned that the other had not spoken to them upon arriving. They must have seen them, Saka sees everything, and it’s unlike them to be so quiet. {Have I done something to upset you, little one?} 

It’s a constant fear, that they will lose another of their kin in the way they lost Ania - through some fault with their own personality.

[twisty-curly-blog]

Curly watches, eyes wide and filled with wonder as his head slowly becomes woozy, the full effects setting in. He hadn’t realized, until now, just how delicate his hands would need to be if he could ever hope to create something like that–but he’s content to watch, anyhow. When Dandelion laughs–for he’s decided, now, that regardless of his real name this one suits him best–Curly tilts his head, for as far as he knows he hasn’t said anything too humorous. But why complain when it was nonetheless received well? 

“I dunno that we ever have any, but I’ll be sure t’remember t’invite you, too,” he replies, giving a curt nod as a show of his sincerity. 

Alas, it turns out, Curly was wrong: his name was not Dandelion, and the softness in his tone–paired with the ‘softening’ effect of the Dreamy Meadow–has him rethinking his decision to refer to him as such no matter the truth. It wouldn’t be unusual if he did–Curly was often renaming things, figuring if he could and Slightly could, so could he. But now it felt…wrong. “’Spose…Novi ain’t half bad. For a name,” 

“T’be honest wit’ya, Curly’s the greatest name there ever was, so y’really didn’t have much hope of a better one,” his old name, one he could hardly remember now, belonged to a dying boy. But Curly, despite its giver, meant a new life, and one (by the grace of Cat) he would live fully. 

[elksakeeper]

Although they give the appearance of being entirely focused on their handiwork, Novi is keeping a curious eye on Curly as he seems to glaze over slightly. The meadow affects them too, of course but not in the same way - they would never have come here if they thought it would dull their senses the way it does to the humans. “Would you like to help? You can choose some flowers,” they suggest gently.

“I don’t think the other boys would like that very much. It’s kind of you to invite me, though.” Kind. It feels strange to use the word in connection with a Lost Boy, for this Lost Boy in particular, but the meadow has softened him into a person Novi could almost like. They know that the narcotic flowers can be addictive, but wouldn’t it be better if the children, if all of Neverland’s inhabitants were like this all the time?

Another surprise; they thought the nickname might stick. Instead they smile, shrugging slightly, “I’ve always rather liked it. It’s something that’s mine.” They don’t know if Curly will understand - he didn’t pick either of his names.

“It certainly suits you, with that hair of yours.” It’s the name the Boy King chose for him all those years ago. Considering that they all profess to hate him, Novi wonders why so many boys kept Pan’s nicknames. At least Curly’s still makes sense.

[elksakeeper]

twisty-curly:

He feels like a child for the first time in so many Seasons, and for once it is not met with bitter thoughts about how it was cut short. His eyes follow the Fae’s without hesitation, wondering what sort of thoughts he must be lingering on, but digressing and thinking better on asking. Which is, albeit, a bit out of character for him. 

“Could ye show me, maybe?” He asks, a bit bashful. 

It’s an interesting tone of conversation–one he hasn’t had in a while, simple and without double meaning. Curly’s all for torment on a good day, but unfortunately he’s a bit slow to pick up on ulterior motives. It feels honest; genuine and it is a welcome relief. Maybe the Meadow will make him forget it ever happened, but he’s happy it’s happened at all. 

“Better not find ye flittin’ around all full of glee, havin’ a blast wit’out lil ol’me,” he replies, a bit proud he managed to rhyme. “’M Curly, by the way. What’s yer name? Dandelion, or somethin’?” 

They mean to put him off - how would it look if someone came across them like this? What if Kane or one of the others found out? - but Curly’s uncharacteristic reticence changes their mind. “Yes, if you like,” is their mild reply. Or at least, they think they can. Novi is no Teacher, but they are endlessly patient, and more than willing to share their knowledge with others - even something as simple as this.

Selecting a long blade of grass to serve as a new base, Novi laughs again at the idea that they could flit anywhere. Their cumbersome Elk form certainly doesn’t lend itself to quick movements, and if possible, their gangly human limbs are even worse. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” 

“Dandelion?” Chubby, childish fingers clutch a posie of wilting weeds... That’s right, Curly thinks they’re faefolk, but still they won’t lie. Their name is all they truly own, the only thing that makes them themselves. “No, my name is Novi,” they correct shyly. They mean to say that it’s nice to meet him, but they have met before, and in any case, it isn’t nice - they know what Curly will revert to the second he steps back into the woods.

[twisty-curly-blog]

If it was at all possible, his smile grows even bigger. It isn’t very often that someone is willing to honestly humour him–with no hint of annoyance evident in the man’s voice. Maybe he would visit the Meadows more often, then, if there were always the promise of an audience willing to laugh at his jokes. An idea sparks, and as usual, Curly cannot abandon it until it is done. He reaches for the crown, taking it off his head, and leaning forward to don it on his newfound friend. “Suits ye much better, if ye ask me,” he replies, making a clicking noise with his tongue as he winked. 

“Who are ye making ‘em for? Is there a party ‘m not invited to? Some sort of Fae whatchamacalit?” He asked, assuming that–for no other reason aside from his lack of distinctly Native features and the clothing present–the person he was talking to was a Fae. He doubted a Pirate would be in here, making flower garlands for all who asked, no matter how kind the Meadows supposedly made a person. 

[elksakeeper]

This time they flinch when Curly reaches for them, uncertain of the boy’s intentions. But then he deposits the wreath on their own head, and they laugh quietly, adjusting it so it doesn’t fall over their eyes. “Thank you.”

They look down at the other garlands piled beside them, suddenly feeling hollow in the pit of their stomach. Novi used to make these crowns for someone else - carnations and crocuses and chrysanthemums - but they have been gone for a long time now. It hurts to think of them. They neatly sidestep the question. 

“No, not a party. Don’t worry, you aren’t being left out.” There’s not exactly cause to celebrate these days, though its true they would wear things like this to dances in the time before. They have a distinct memory of Char looking very angry in a crown of pink peonies. “It’s just something to occupy the hands. I have always made them.”

[twisty-curly-blog]

He’s surprised at the response, since he had mostly said it as a joke, but before long he finds himself crawling towards him and reaching for the crown. He holds it delicately between his hands, a strange feeling overcoming him (perhaps the Meadows truly were as powerful everyone said?), like he was staring at a memory he couldn’t place. 

“…Thanks, s’pose,” he puts it on his head, a goofy smile coming onto his face, “how’d I look?” 

Had Curly ever said thank you before? He couldn’t remember. 

[elksakeeper]

If their offer had surprised Curly, the boy’s gratitude has a similar effect on Novi. They thought he would snatch, had even angled their body away from him in anticipation of some accidental contact, but instead they find themselves rather blind-sighted “... You are welcome.”

“Very fetching,” they answer, smiling slightly in spite of themselves. Curly is a man grown, and a monster, but with the wreath of flowers perched lop-sidedly atop his dark curls and the eager expression on his face, it is not difficult to remember the child he once was. Novi has some decidedly... mixed feelings about the human inhabitants of Neverland, but they do find themselves lamenting the fate of the Lost Children from time to time. They had been innocent without the effects of the meadow, once.

[twisty-curly-blog]

Truth be told, Curly had never been to the Dreamy Meadows (honest!), for three very important reasons. The first was its proximity to the waters, and likewise the Mer and the third was the Lost Girls residing just South of its location. Plus, he’d never had the patience to go looking for things–certainly not a place that changed paths from time to time. And yet, here he was, having finally discovered it. He’d only been there for a short while, true, but thus far it was rather…lacklustre. Disappointing, even. Until they saw the man lackadaisically picking flowers–one he had never seen before, and Curly liked to think he knew everyone, regardless of how true that statement may be. 

“I do hope yer makin’ one for me, too,” he called, sitting down a safe distance away, “or else I’ll be deeply hurt!” He placed a hand over his heart, sighing dramatically. 

[elksakeeper]

“You may have this one, if you like,” Novi offers cautiously, their eyes never leaving the boy even as they reach out to pick another flower and weave its thin stem amongst the others.

They know this one, they realise: if the harsh accent hadn’t given him away, then the unruly mop of hair did the job nicely. Curly had been sweet once - dirty hands offering dandelions, a little weed grown strong - but Novi has seen the terrible things this ‘dentist’ has done since the Boy King left, how he has hurt his fellows and his enemies alike, the memories of others filling their mouth with the unmistakable tang of iron.

If not for their faith in the narcotic properties of the meadow, Novi would have fled on catching sight of the boy.

[elksakeeper]

The dreamy meadow is not somewhere Novi visits often, on account of it being so close to both the Lost Girls’ camp and the merfolk, but today the forest surrounding it is dense. Safe. They feel better knowing that there is somewhere close they can hide if something was to happen, and are content to sit amongst the hazy grasses for a while, idly picking flowers to weave into garlands. It’s a rare moment of peace in this new Neverland, and they mean to enjoy it. They are not expecting to be disturbed.

[wolfskinkane-blog]

Fainting Spells

[wolfskinkane-blog]

Albeit the reassurance, Kane refrained from letting their guard falter, only heightening in concern as they approached them. Perhaps in the past, they were allowed to be more effervescent at the presence of their kin, but it was merely negligent behaviour in times such as these. Flickering, their eyes conveyed their unsettlement. And despite the ache that cursed their soul, they refused to comfort themselves, no matter how much they missed their confidant.

And yet, it was they that had been tracking them to begin with.

Brushing the side of their head against the other’s digits, they warmly greeted them. Elevating their trembling heart from its solitary cage, if only for a moment. 

{Are you well?} They glanced up at them, evading the small talk as they always did. They no longer had the luxury of anything more than brief encounters, after all.

[elksakeeper]

The gesture, though familiar, has gone unpractised for so long that Novi finds themselves flinching away out of habit. They do so hate to be touched, they always have, but more so now that even a fleeting brush of skin-on-skin causes them to involuntarily see every excruciating memory the other being has to offer. But Kane has always had their own set of rules as far as Novi is concerned, and their nervous fingers return to skitter gently over the soft fur of the Wolf’s muzzle for the moment they allow it. It is easier with animals at least.

{Well enough} they reply mildly, impossibly fond, and never one to complain. How like Kane to delve straight into the heart of things. They have missed them, and if they don’t say so, they hope it shows.

{How do you fare? It... feels like a long time since I saw you last.} And it worries them. Their people are so few, and so separate from each other, it suits them ill. The last Novi saw in the flesh was Saka, and that had been some weeks ago now.

[wolfskinkane-blog]

Fainting Spells

Twisted trees meandered the surroundings of purgatory lands. With crooked branches feigning claws, they outstretched their haunting limbs above the ground; hovering there with a treacherous promise of an inevitable end. ‘Enter,’ they dared lionhearted men. ‘Enter now and feel the prickle of my fistful of thrones.’ This was no place for the feeble and weak. Once you entered, the chances of you leaving whole was unheard of, especially for those with the unkindly ticker of a mortal soul. Nearing the fortress of murk and despair, your vision will obscure. This was a venomous display, that quietly hissed through the asphyxiating fog ‘you are not welcomed, beware.’

Slowly, the predator blazed its own track between the stygian and dying bark of malformed trees. It’s fur camouflaging their stealthy movements as they followed the disturbance that shifted the atmosphere. Had they felt the Walker’s presence they would be greeted with a fleeting shadow, a silhouette of a hound or perhaps even a wolf— had they existed in Never’s land. The dark obscurity would vanish as soon as it was noticed; the soul long skilled in concealing itself with heavy mists that cast out even the light. ‘turn back’ they exhorted in a rustle; their thoughts heard by none. Sniffing the heavy sent the disrupter carried with them, they could almost taste the copper that streamed through their veins. Indeed, they were well-aware of what creature stalked the darkened woods.

They too came to a halt as the figure stepped into the clearing. It was a hidden gem of a place, one that Kane found themselves inhabiting when the stars came out to dance. A low growl reverberated in the canine’s throat, the sound, this time, prominent as it echoed back to them in the open space. And in a blink of an eye, the regal beast made itself known. There they stood, paws poised and steadfast; their jaw tightly wound and their ears edging closer to the front of their head. Attentive and on guard. With electrifying amber for eyes, they gazed upon them. And albeit their animalistic form, the recognition and respect the deserved seemed to sustain itself. And it was here where man stood as an equal to animal, and if not, lower than that.

[elksakeeper]

It is a sad state of affairs when it is safer for a Walker to wander the woods in their human form rather than their animal one. For too long Novi has avoided taking the shape of the Elk, fearing the Native hunters that would no doubt kill them for their meat as easily as the humans had killed Ris all those years ago. A scar from the encounter remains as a reminder on their own calf, and Novi swears it prickles when ever they remember the first Keeper. 

Easily distracted by their thoughts, they do not notice the great wolf until it has appeared in the clearing ahead of them. The creature’s bared teeth and low growl may have frightened anyone else, but Novi knows there are no wolves on Neverland - none save the one they call kin.

{Be easy, Kane} they offer, a soft and halting smile turning up the corner of their mouth. {It’s only me.}

[elenafisher2]

Visit Original Link

[beausjester]

“Mountains” Message to Bears

And we could run away Before the light of day You know we always could The mountains say, the mountains say

[worshipgifs]