Flock of the divine was such a fun AU, and i sure do hope to continue it if ever @ribcagecavityy decides to continue it :>. I hope they work through life and are happy as all people should be.
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I am literally my own audience on tumblr since the best part about this website is that i can post anything and only 2 people will see it which is very liberating. I will continue with the original story i had planned for kehan, with him being a ethically tibetean person navigating life in india dealing with shit. I hope to actually start making character designs and getting to know him more as a character!
I hope to find critique givers for my story, i wish to improve as a writer honestly! Anyways the main point of this silly post was to say that i enjoyed flock-of-the-divine and it really helped me explore kehan and actually understand writing, i adored all the interactions i had with people while being involved in the au!
im gonna go into a very VERY inactive state because in a few months i have my SUPER IMPORTANT LIFE CHANGING EXAMS THAT I CANT FUCK UP™
yeah so practically im most likely not gonna do shit (unless i do, :< this is a very vague warning) but mostly im just gonna not open this at days on end, not make anything, so uh dont bother with me a i guess :>
This beautiful @flock-of-the-divine meme featuring @razorslash87 's character. I had to draw this when I found out the extreme height difference between these 2.
the kehan sketch.... turned into an aura farming kehan -3-
i was doodlin mro and it just kinda ran away from me, anyways im going back to tryna figure out how color works :3 ciao!!!
DUDEEEE IT LOOKS SO COOL!
if only kehan was actually that look lmao
YOUR ART IS SERIOUSLY SO GOOD, ITS SO COOL
(im sorry the only describing words i know are cool, because the only reaction i have to the drawing in my mind is excited screaming)
(very) self indulgent kehan drawing (i got carried away -3- BUT YAYYAYAYAYAYAYYYY COLORRRR) *tippy tappys fingies* i was tempted to do his signature single braid/hair piece, but then i was like "imaginary wind" and now i can add sick highlights >:3 mro has a funky layered haircut but it just gave me more opportunities to push the depth with color [i listened to ecifircas by sewerslvt on repeat while drawing this, which felt like a strange dichotomy ya know?]
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some of the initial sketches + linework
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kehan belongs to @wildeing1505 and is part of the Flock of the Divine AU
and if you are wondering no i will not fix this rough sketch, and no i shall not be making it better. also yes that little ugly blob on the floor is kehan. im so sorry for runing junipers design, but i had fun drawing this in class!
i made this because i remembered that juniper likes animals
me with my shitty art skills omw to bother people-
also they are playing with the sheep!!! and they will get told of by an oracle probably!
juniper belongs to- @ijustloveyourstupidface
au- @flock-of-the-divine
i still havent even gotten to completing that relations shart there are so many charactres now i cant keep up :<
but the new characters seem a whole lotta fun and i feel like making a new oc too >:]
𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧 || Flock of the Divine [ Creepypasta Au ]
⤷ @flock-of-the-divine 🪽
“She’ll bare her teeth like a dog, but half the time it’s just ‘cause she don’t know how else to smile.”
──── ୨୧ ────
The Feral—Billie-Mae Warren’s thoughts on the flock.
The Messiah - Alette
• Billie-Mae would understand her—another girl who’s been twisted by the Divine’s will, turned into something monstrous while never really asking for it. She wouldn’t look at Alette with pure disgust at all— wouldn’t judge her either. Instead, she’d recognize the same unfairnes.
The Oracles
Toby, Brian, Tim
• Billie-Mae wouldn’t take kindly to the three of them. She knows one wrong move follows a huge consequence. Brian unsettles her with how calculating he is. In her eyes, Tim is the hardest to approach. Toby, she can stand a little more since he doesn’t bite down on every rule. Overall, she wouldn’t try befriending or interacting with them and would keep her distance.
Lexi
• Warren wouldn’t fear her as bad as the other three. She feels comfortable making unintentional mistakes around her assuming Lexi wouldn’t report it. She keeps her guard up around Lexi but feels a silent trust, knowing if there was something alarming Lexi will step in.
Kate
• Doesnt’s trust her one bit. Billie-Mae doesn’t bother interacting with her at all. She doesn’t like someone constantly watching her moves.
Wern
•Probably one of the authoritative figures who stirs the most emotion in Billie-Mae. At first, she would always try to avoid Wern at all costs. Wern reminds her a lot of her mother, who was also very firm. Still, she respects Wern the most—she doesn’t mind her fixing little things or treating her roughly like an adult; in fact, she takes it as care, even if it’s cold. She also finds it comforting that someone else shares a similarity with her—their faces.
Titus
•Billie-Mae doesn’t know what to make of Titus. He’s kind when he talks, almost too kind, but she don’t trust it. At first, she’s drawn by his kindness. Warren feels like he already decides if she’s guilty before she even wonders if she is. But at the end of the day, she feels that he’s the most understanding— she doesn’t know. The young teen has mixed thoughts about it.
Max
•Billie-Mae knows Max sees the little slip-ups she makes, but he doesn’t come down on her for it. He knows she sins by accident, and instead reporting it he most likely doesn’t say anything. She appreciates that. She doesn’t feel threatened or scared around Max. They have an understanding.
June
• No one likes a snitch. Billie-Mae is a lamb who is always struggling to understand the way others do— constantly making unintentional clumsy mistakes and accidents. June is constantly shaming her. Warren would definitely fight back, following her instincts. Billie-Mae only feels watched and judged, and that leaves her bitter toward June. She is not good at responding to sensitive situations where she gets angry— leading to hostility.
Roady
• Is intimidated by her silence. She thinks Roady is smart for that. Listening and gathering information. Warren is definitely carful around her. Warren has respect for those who don’t snitch on her for unintentional sins.
Dalia
•Billie-Mae sees Dalia as distant and hard to understand. She isn’t guaranteed safety but feels safe making accidental sins around him. However, Warren doesn’t bother attaching herself to someone who is occupied and not easy to rely on.
Nicholas
• At first, Billie-Mae doesn’t really take the time to know him—vise versa. She had noticed him gardening around and would talk to him about it. It was clear they share some interests! Later on, they tolerate each other. In fact, they both communicate about their childhood farm experiences! She thinks he’s chill and plans associating with him more. She made him a flower crown recently.
Lambs—Healers
Eyeless Jack
•Feels uneasy around him at first. However, Billie-Mae notices how calm and laid back he is. Sometimes she talks to him and asks questions. He recommends her books to read— maybe picture/comic books since she forgot majority of her reading skills as an Appalachian feral. Warren thinks he’s cool and sees him as a brother/friend figure.
Needles
• Poor girl is going back and forth to the infirmary. She either is getting a check up on her facial wound or had a clumsy accident while gathering. Billie-Mae could sense needles is annoyed in the beginning. However, seeing that Billie-Mae is always in the infirmary— they may have communicated more. Warren appreciates her for everything she does.
Lucky Charm
• Billie-Mae doesn’t mind them. The two have a neutral standing. She waves a hello to Lucky Charm when in the infirmary. There’s no bad blood. Lucky Charm definitely knows as a previous gatherer some tiny wounds occur during the job.
Juniper
• Billie-Mae Also is neutral with her. No problem. She can see that Juniper is sometimes under pressure— or going through some anxious guilt. Sometimes will bring a flower or two for her hard work. A flower soothes the nerves according to Billie-Mae. Something about its aroma and pretty appearance.
Lambs—Cooks
Nicole Souza
• Billie-Mae doesn’t have much of an opinion for Nicole— a hardworking cook. First glance, Nicole and Billie-Mae had their own thoughts of each other. Sometimes Billie-Mae would ask what’s being served today…just trying to make conversation! She think’s Nicole is pleasant to be around— they don’t mind each other.
Belle Lenore
•Finds her strange but not unpleasant. At first glance, Billie-Mae was reminded of a certain princess from a story book she read as a child but couldn’t put her fingers on it. Thinks Belle is super pretty and has this glow on her. Billie-Mae likes Belle. She enjoys talking to Belle about some flowers she collected during that day— or her day as a gatherer. Always tells her like almost everyday Belle reminds her of a certain princess. If Billie-Mae doesn’t know how to do something and needs a big sister’s opinion— she’d go to Belle.
Tabby
• Doesn’t know Tabby too well— but respects how much Tabby cares about feeding everyone and how good her food tastes. To Billie-Mae, Tabby feels tied too tightly to her work and to the Divine, like she doesn’t know how to rest or be herself anymore. Billie doesn’t dislike her — in fact, she thinks Tabby’s kindness is real — but she keeps her distance, unsure if all that devotion makes Tabby safe or dangerous to be around.
Shannon
• At first, Billie-Mae was absolutely terrified of this man. The butcher, for crying out loud! During lunch or dinner hours she’d sometimes ask him some questions, make conversation. He did see her as a little sister figure, and Billie-Mae did see him as an older brother figure she would go to when feeling scared about something or someone.
Lambs— The Shepard
Kehan
• Finally, someone who also feels peace and calmness around animals— something she heavily relates with. She doesn’t talk too much to him but finds him very calming to be around. Billie-Mae feels that she sort of relates to him almost personality wise— and maybe interests. She thinks he’s a nice fella.
Lambs— The Farmers
Robbie
• Billie-Mae thinks Robbie is easier to be around. He talks too much and sometimes says the wrong thing, but at least he feels real to her — not cold or hidden like others in the flock. She notices how he tries to help people and doesn’t forget they’re human, and she quietly respects that, even if she won’t say it out loud. To Billie-Mae, Robbie is likable but careless, someone she’d stay cautious with even while appreciating his kindness.
Lila Waters
•Billie-Mae thinks Lila is odd, though not in the same way as the others. She notices how Lila always seems certain she belongs here, certain the Divine chose her for something bigger. Billie-Mae doesn’t really understand that kind of confidence, but part of her envies it. To her, Lila looks like someone who’s found the purpose Warren still feels like she’s chasing.
April
• Doesn’t really see April around. Like…rarely. Billie-Mae doesn’t really have an opinion on her. Sometimes Billie-Mae gets annoyed when she is avoided or ignored, she’ll sometimes throw jokes on April during her duty hours—mimicking animalistic noises as she was influenced to do as a feral child. They probably share an annoyance with each other.
Lambs—The Hunters
Danny
• Typically, Billie-Mae despises hunters. Idea of hunting animals infuriates her. She gets salty with almost every hunter she encounters. However, she finds that Danny is an individual with a big heart and feels comfortable being around her. She almost relates her personality wise. In fact, they can easily relate to each other under certain elements. Billie-Mae thinks she’s nice and has no problem befriending her!
Katya
• Billie-Mae relates to the bad habit of making unintentional mistakes or rule breaking. Billie-Mae sees her someone to talk to about it. She sees Katya as a cool big sister figure to look up to. Billie-Mae feels relief that she’s not the only one with this habit.
Natalie Outlette
• Billie-Mae originally didn’t like her. The type of hatred one has towards someone else with no particular reason. Her energy— she just doesn’t like her. Seeing her carry a deceased hunted animal over shoulder angers her very much. She knows Natalie doesn’t have much of a choice— but still. However, growing older and mature, Billie-Mae’s hatred for Natalie dies down and pities her greatly. She even apologizes for having such hatred for her.
Annabeth
• Billie-Mae doesn’t like Annabeth much. She can tell Annabeth wants to rise higher than everyone else, and that kind of hunger unsettles her. Annabeth feels sharp, like someone always waiting to cut their way forward, and Billie-Mae knows better than to get in her path. At the same time, Warren can’t help but notice the cracks — the way Annabeth keeps to herself, the silence… She doesn’t trust her, but she doesn’t underestimate her either.
Lichen
•Billie-Mae doesn’t mind Lichen. She notices they’re softer than most and not the type to run off tattling, which brings some relief. Their usefulness and willingness to help reminds Billie-Mae a little of herself — someone just trying to survive by working hard. To her, Lichen feels harmless, maybe even a little fragile, and that makes her treat them with a quiet respect.
Rose
• Billie-Mae thinks Rose is strange. The way she stares makes her skin crawl, and she doesn’t like how Rose always seems to know things she shouldn’t. She figures Rose is the type to let the Oracles know if you’ve done wrong, even if she never says it out loud. Still, Billie-Mae doesn’t see her as cruel — just off in her own world. To Billie-Mae, Rose is someone to keep an eye on but never get too close to.
Shelby
•Billie-Mae likes Shelby. Even if Shelby can be unpredictable, Billie-Mae sees more of the kind and playful side than the unstable one. Shelby’s energy feels fun older-sister-like to her, someone who can make things lighter when life in the flock feels heavy. Billie-Mae doesn’t mind her obsession with the Divine; she just accepts it as part of who Shelby is. To her, Shelby is someone worth looking up to, even if she’s not perfect. Billie-Mae makes her interesting crafts like flower crowns.
Lambs—The Gatherers (Her team!!)
Hayden
•Billie-Mae feels for Hayden. She sees the fear in him when he’s punished and understands it, even if his reasons are different from hers. His loud, rebellious side reminds her of the way kids are supposed to be, and she doesn’t mind it — sometimes it even makes her want to laugh. But she also notices how quick he folds when the Oracles step in, and it makes her think he’s stuck between who he is and who the flock forces him to be. To Billie-Mae, Hayden is a mix of brave and breakable, someone she can’t help but see as him as a good friend to have around.
Delilah
•Billie-Mae feels very comfortable around Delilah. They pick flowers together and make each other flower crowns and other sorts of cool crafts. Additionally they pick vegetables together and talk together! Delilah is very sweet and Billie-Mae sees her as a big sister.
Nessa
• Billie-Mae warmed up to Nessa slowly. At first, the quiet made her unsure, but over time she realized it wasn’t coldness, just fear — something Warren understood well. They started spending more time together, especially during their duties. Picking apples side by side or gathering what the flock needed, Billie-Mae found comfort in the silence between them. Nessa didn’t press, didn’t judge, just worked alongside her, and that was enough. Now Billie-Mae sees her as one of the few people she can truly relax around, someone who makes the weight of the flock feel lighter. She also sees Nessa like a big sister/good friend and loves hanging out with her.
Lambs-Maintenance
Jeff & Ben
•Absolutely hates Jeff. He constantly makes fun of her clumsy habits— almost teasing her and shoving her around. He gets the reaction he wants each time— Billie-Mae fighting back, getting violent and emotional which unfortunately gets her in trouble. He knows what he’s doing. They have a whole prank-war going back and forth. He’s always getting her in trouble because he knows once she’s under pressure/threat she freaks out. During these wars, they develop sort of an rebellious older brother/ sensitive little sister dynamic.
• Billie-Mae doesn’t see Ben around. She doesn’t know him to well! Doesn’t have an opinion on him.
Lee
• Neutral. They don’t share problems with each other. Billie-Mae doesn’t know Lee well. Sometimes see they see each other in the hallways.
Valentin
• Billie-Mae absolutely loves being around this guy. She seems him as a cool big brother to look up to when she’s down. Warren is always interested in his passions and ideas. If she ever needs advice on how to handle something from an older figure— she’ll pop in! Billie-Mae likes to create hand puppets out of torn up and dirtied fabric and she’ll show him a little of her chaotic ideas. Warren is very supportive of his creations and ideas. It’s like a nice get away from the dark environment they’re in.
Adália
•Billie-Mae finds Adália difficult to be around. Her strict devotion to the Divine makes Billie-Mae nervous, and she knows Adália won’t bend on the rules the way some others might. At the same time, Warren senses something fragile in her — the sickness, the way she clings to belonging — and it keeps her from outright disliking her. She respects Adália’s strength, even if it feels harsh, but she doesn’t let her guard down.
Lambs-Cleaners
Inez
• Warren doesn’t get along with Inez. The flat tone, the coldness, and especially the way Inez runs to the Oracles over every broken rule put a wall between them. Billie-Mae knows she’s careless sometimes and makes mistakes without meaning to, so someone like Inez feels dangerous to be near. She doesn’t think Inez is cruel for the sake of it, just wrapped up in rules so tight that she can’t see past them. To Billie-Mae, Inez isn’t someone to fight with, but someone to avoid — too sharp, too watchful, and too ready to tattle.
Priscilla
• Terrified of Madam Priscilla. She seemed very strict and willing to yell to demand order. As someone who constantly make mistakes— she’d feel scared or pressured to cause clumsy accidents around her. Warren would try to for sure avoid her. Priscilla’s stare scares Billie-Mae!
Lagrimal
•Billie-Mae thinks of Lagrimal as a friend. Their silence doesn’t bother her; if anything, she likes it, since it means she doesn’t feel judged or watched. They don’t push her to talk or act a certain way, and that makes her feel safe around them. Even if conversations are rare, Billie-Mae finds comfort in being around them, the kind of bond that doesn’t need many words.
Hemlock
• Billie-Mae thinks Hemlock is cool and nice. She likes the way they make their clothes and drawings look different, and she finds them quiet side easy to be around. To her, Hemlock feels a little strange but in a good way, Billie-Mae likes their creativity.
Riley
•Billie-Mae likes Riley. She thinks Riley’s kindness feels real, even if she’s a little tense most of the time. The way Riley throws herself into chores makes Warren see her as someone who cares too much, but in a way that isn’t bad. She doesn’t always understand why Riley gets in trouble for trying so hard, and it makes her think Riley is softer than most in the flock. To Billie-Mae, Riley is someone worth being around, hardworking and but good-hearted.
Noan
• Billie-Mae feels uneasy around Professor Noan. She doesn’t understand her stories and usually just thinks they sound strange or confusing. Noan’s way of talking about the Divine doesn’t sit right with her, but Warren can’t explain why. Mostly, she just avoids her, not out of mistrust she can name, but because something about Noan feels off.
Mallory
• Warren gets along with Mallory easily. Both of them are clumsy in their own ways, and it makes Billie-Mae feel better knowing she isn’t the only one who slips up. Mallory’s warmth and friendliness make her easy to be around, and Billie-Mae doesn’t feel judged when she’s with her. To her, Mallory is someone she can laugh off mistakes with and still feel safe — a friend who makes the flock a little lighter. Billie-Mae also thinks Mallory is very pretty!
Kai-ligh
• Billie-Mae thinks Kai-ligh is serious and a little hard to read. She notices how Kai doesn’t gush over the Divine like some of the others, and she respects that. At the same time, Kai always seems weighed down, like she’s carrying something heavy inside, which makes Warren keep her distance. She doesn’t dislike her, though — to Billie-Mae, Kai is just quiet and steady in her own way.
Lambs- Cycling Lambs
Grace
• Billie-Mae notices Grace right away —she thinks Grace is strange but in a way she likes, someone who doesn’t seem as tied down to the flock as everyone else. To Warren, Grace feels like two people at once: soft and caring on the outside, but with something sharp underneath. Billie-Mae thinks she’s effortlessly cool.
Cole
• Billie-Mae thinks Cole is brave, maybe too brave. She notices how he tries to protect everyone and push against rules, and she isn’t sure if that makes him strong or reckless. Still, she likes how kind he is and how easy he is to be around. To her, Cole feels like someone worth trusting, even if she worries he’ll get himself hurt.
Skylar
•Billie-Mae sees Skylar as messy but real. She thinks Skylar’s outbursts make her stand out, but in a way that feels honest, not fake. That’s something Billie-Mae sort of relates to. She sometimes observes how Skylar stands up for herself and gets inspired. Billie-Mae has never spoken to her one on one but thinks she’s cool.
for your character(s) do a deep dive into how they are written. how they speak, what they say, their personality and small mannerisms/habits!! perhaps even examples on things they say!!
this is not only so i can get a good idea on how to write them but also for everyone else as well :D!
Kehan is a delicate creature , built not for grandeur but for endurance. One notices first his posture- perpetually bent forward, as if bowing even when no Oracle is present, spine curled in apology. His hands remain folded under his poncho, hidden away like a contraband.
When spoken to by people he may be indifferent to, he answers with polite softness, never too loud, never too sharp, measured speech that sounds rehearsed, even when it isnt. He may be aloof but he never lets that betray his practiced politness. He tries his best to be kind to new people.
When with people he dislikes, he doesn't show his dislike upfront, it is mostly shown in uncomfort and distance.
He is more open around people he likes (like jack because they are roommates, luckycharm, juniper, etc.) Around them he feels more authentic, more free When around people he likes his tongue may slip as he often says words in hindi, which is his mother tongue.
When speaking with Oracles, he is always in a state of- 'you are literally talking to a deity please dont fuck this up'. He is respectful, as one would be with god himself and tries to avoid unnecessary conversations with them.
His faith runs deep, but with it runs fear, every gesture and glance carries caution, as though one slip of the tongue might brand him 'faithless'.
His journal is the most telling artifact- not a journal of devotion, but a scholars ledger, crisp lines and near scientific notes on prayer, suffering, sin, and the human reactions around him. For a looser that is meant to be deeply religious his journal seems more like the notes book of a students than a diary of prayers.
When calm, he is gentle to the point of appearing fragile, quiet in that slow and careful way of one who has seen how quickly a mistep leads to lose of faith.
When anxious however the mask cracks. He shakes, mutters prayers like a fool , and sometimes collapses into tears, resembling a bird beating itself bloody against its own cage.
Most people know him docile, perhaps pitiable, and he likes to believe that too, trying to forget accounts of rare violence in him, short, sharp, and shocking, like lightning on a clear day. He has not repeated them, but he remembers.
Kehan believes suffering is sacred, to pay for ones karma, the cycle of birth and rebirth, he embraces it because to refuse would be rebellion. And yet if one studies long enough, one sees something almost comedic in the boys contradictions- the way he frets like a student before exams, how his foolishness leaks out sideways in meticulous little notes, how his very devotion looks half like love and half like performance.
Kehan survives not by strength or charm, but by the art of appearing smaller than he is (and the thing is, he is small, and pitiable, his life is small and unimportant) an animal convinced that shrinking will keep the wolves at bay.
Also he gets uncomfortable when anyone questions his blue skin or the weird stars on his skin (dont ask me either idk bruh, i like the idea that blue represents alienation and the racism he might have faced back in his home and the stars represents like sh scars).
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bruh i have just started re-writing a new relationship chart for him but how can i get this done, there are so many characters now, everyday i open the laptop after doing my work and am like who are these guys? I havent even started on so many other prompts. I am considering just killing kehan and calling it a day lmao
(The general opinion quotes are shamelessly copied from April's relationship post by @/marshallseries)
Some of these are going to be copy and pasted from Lichen's ref sheet. Also these are Lichen's opinions of these characters and not mine. I've included all oc's linked on the master list as of time of writing, will try to update this but I've still got a semester of study ahead of me. If you want these relationships to be more mutual (either positive or negative) let me know.
Oracles
"They watch us in His name but trusting them is as folly as trusting we won't die in these Appalachian mountains forgotten by all."
Brian -
Every conversation is a mind game and every slip up has a butterfly effect that can go unnoticed for weeks if not months. Lichen is much more trusting of Brian when he's on a warpath because it's the only time he's being genuine with his actions and emotions.
If Brian is showing kindness or consideration to Lichen they knows they've fucked up or Brian is watching to make sure they have fucked up.
Tim -
Lichen knows reasonably that since they get bled that Tim does inherently dislike them, however they can't shake the feeling that Tim seems to be in just the right place to correct them before they're about to commit a sin.
Lichen doesn't break the rules, however they think Tim hasn't realised that they don't give shit when others do.
Toby -
They have a pretty good relationship with Toby, they just make sure to avoid him if he's pissed or has started burning shit. Toby is one of the few Oracles that Lichen will actively avoid lying to as they know it could completely ruin the small amount of good will they've earnt. Lichen also just avoids talking about Lexi to him.
Lexi -
It took a lot of time for Lichen to realise that Lexi isn't playing the same head games as Brian. Even to this day they are not fully convinced that she isn't secretly keeping track of all their sins to use against them eventually.
Lichen's distrust of Lexi's lax attitude runs so deep that even when they have confessed to her, they will confess to another Oracle to make sure that they've been properly punished and don't have to worry about Lexi holding the lack of action over their head.
Kate -
Dealings with Kate are very quick, Lichen doesn't even bother to explain themselves, it seems like Kate doesn't care why a sin is being committed, she just wants to get the bleeding done with and so does Lichen, so they plead guilty, jog by her side to the alter, take the bleeding, thanks her and continues on with the day.
If Lichen is out hunting, tensions are easier, they'll at least attempt conversation, warn Kate of any dangers they've noticed but that's about it.
Wren -
Lichen tries to avoid Wren as much as possible. They follow the rules as best they can, they're not rebellious and while they do lie to the Oracles, for the most part it's simply to avoid them abusing their authority and stretching something into a sin, and Wren is a case where that's absolutely necessary.
There's no room for any faults when Wren's around and Lichen knows that when she's in a room someone is being bled. Lichen has gotten a boon from her once, when she gave them back the ring they proposed to Alyssa with, and ever since then, every time Lichen has fallen short of Wren's standards she's been all the more cruel to them. Lichen is extremely bitter about all this.
Titus -
Titus is the one that plead Lichen's case with The Divine as far as they know. This is part of the reason why Lichen ends up being so devout to The Divine because they feel like being so repays the debt they owe to Titus.
Lichen takes any lectures from Titus seriously and enjoys how easy it is to talk to Titus out of all the Oracles.
Titus is one of the only Oracles that Lichen will willingly confess too, because he is a lot kinder and compassionate than the others.
Lichen doesn't feel nervous handing over their journal to Titus because unless Lichen has actually committed a sin, it's handed over and Titus will speak happily about something that Lichen has written.
If there happens to be any free time for Lichen and Titus allows it, they'll happily listen to any sermons or writings that he has drafted.
Due to all of this Lichen has developed somewhat of a crush deep admiration for Titus that they try to bury.
Max -
Lichen thinks Max is pleasant but spineless. They don't even bother confessing to Max since Max will just go to another Oracle anyway, so it's just more efficient to cut out the middle man. This only becomes annoying and gets under Lichen's skin when they see Max reprimand either Lichen or another lamb for a sin and then runs to get another Oracle to deal out the actual punishment, they see it as two-faced and hypocritical.
Lichen would probably actually be friends with Max if he was a lamb but the way he goes about the bleeding has absolutely soured that idea.
June -
Lichen isn't allowed to speak ill of the Oracles, to do so would to speak ill of The Divine, however they view June as the worst parts of both Max and Wren. She can't be trusted and being around her is like being on eggshells.
Her little game of making people feel guilty doesn't work on Lichen because they'll confess their sins regardless, the moment she makes a passing comment Lichen will just ask her what sin they've committed and then confess to whoever they need too. Lichen has noticed this has made her back off, at least with the cloak and dagger bullshit.
Roady -
One of the few Oracles Lichen can stand to be around. She doesn't have the same aura of superiority that Wren does, and since Lichen has seen her cold facade slip believes she's a lot more genuine than Lexi.
Lichen wouldn't say they're friends, or even friendly but Lichen doesn't feel like they have to keep their guard up around her, they don't feel like her gaze is one of judgement or that of a predator waiting for her prey to make a mistake.
Lichen has attempted more casual conversation with her, but since they're main mode of socialising is just trying to be helpful and volunteering for chores, and she doesn't seem interested in doling out tasks, they haven't made much leeway in that pursuit.
Dalia -
Lichen probably confesses the most to Dalia. It's a practicality thing, Dalia due to his mind being on other things is the most gentle during bleedings but also the most compassionate second only to Titus.
Lichen craves the gentle words of forgiveness when being bled, it's the only time they feel like anyone in the flock appreciates what they do. They know that Dalia's words are hollow and there's no actual care behind those eyes, Lichen doubts that Dalia even remembers their name but in that moment, in the cold silence of the alter, they can pretend that someone cares about them.
Nicholas -
The moment Lichen learnt this man was over a century old, they realised he was a fucking snake. There's only so many times a person can watch people around them die before they lose humanity, and in this cult the flock, where violence happens each and every day, there's not a chance in hell the kindness this man displays is genuine.
Then Lichen encountered yet another Oracle that can't be bothered to complete a bleed themselves and it cemented the suspicion.
Healers
"I would prefer if I never had to see any of them, if they're tending to me it means I've failed, they could at least have the decency to act like I shouldn't be there with them."
Eyeless Jack -
Lichen avoids Eyeless Jack for reasons that have nothing to do with his appearance or cannibalistic tendencies.
He's just to nice. It makes Lichen feel bad. The soft questions, the quiet apologies when Lichen winces or flitches, the tender suggestions, Lichen hates it all.
Needles -
Lichen prefers Needles tend their wounds because she's the only one that doesn't ask questions and doesn't have time for small talk. They're not bothered by the cold demeanour and finds it oddly comforting, they feel like it's the correct response to Lichen needing her services.
They have of course offered to find herbs and plants for her, but she has declined each time and sent them off. The fact that Lichen has been denied every request to repay her for time makes them feel all the more guilty for needing it.
Slasher -
Lichen can count the times they've been tended by Slasher on a single hand. They're also cautious of getting to close to Slasher due to his friendship with and proximity to Alette. Lichen sees this as more valuable than being named an Oracle, because they're certain that if Slasher did anything that The Divine didn't like he would've been murdered ascended by now.
Lucky Charm -
Much like Eyeless Jack, Lichen hates being tended to by Lucky Charm, it's for much of the same reasons.
There's also the fact that Lucky Charm will get upset and even start to show obvious signs of anxiety if Lichen tries to worm their way out of getting treated, this increases tenfold if Lichen has already tried and failed to tend to their own wounds.
It's really hard for Lichen to keep up there distant and cold nature around Lucky, and if he left the infirmary more often then Lichen would have to be much more concerned about letting their guard down around her.
Lucky is the most likely to take herbs and plants Lichen has found during hunting, and Lichen uses her as the mode to repay their debt to the infirmary.
Juniper -
Lichen has caught Brian grilling Juniper in the past and although they feel bad for her it means they aren't taking any risks around her. Lichen also wants to distance themselves from Juniper as much as possible due to their similarities, Juniper's guilt based care is a mirror that Lichen does not appreciate looking through.
Luckily for Lichen the only times they really run into Juniper is when she's looking for plants and herbs, if she happened to be the reason Lichen, or someone Lichen cares for, is bled, they'll lead Juniper astray from the plants she's actively looking for, not in an obvious way like sending her off to different area, but where the plants have wilted or been made otherwise unusable.
Cyra -
At first Lichen thought Cyra was more naive than anything, and when not in the infirmary enjoyed her company, and was all to close to actually opening up to her.
And then they discovered that Cyra is all too similar to Juniper and immediately put up all their walls again. This has had the knock on effect of Lichen reexamining all their relationships and distancing themselves from almost everyone. It was to close a call for confront.
Cooks
"You would think the kitchen would be a closed off area, it's one of the few parts of the monastery where multiple roles intersect, I've had more conversations in the doorway after a hunt then I have anywhere else. All the cooks work hard and I could only hope to provide as much as they do."
Nicole -
Nicole is the one cook that Lichen hasn't really talked to all to much, and there's a reason for that she's quiet and focused on her work. Lichen can feel her eyes on them whenever they drop off an animal.
Lichen respects all the cooks and she is no exception. Every once and while Lichen will suggest something that their mother taught them but makes it very clear that Nicole is under no obligation to listen to them.
Belle -
Lichen understands why so many in the flock are drawn to Belle, she's naturally kind and sparks up conversations as quickly as she lights the ovens she uses. Lichen finds themselves a bit loser on the tongue than they should be, and has to avoid Belle for a few days once they've noticed themselves falling to much for her charm.
Most importantly Lichen is extremely jealous of Belle, every line across their wrist is a mark of failure, a sign to a sin committed, a signal to the rest they have failed, but hers? Other than that initial line hers are perfectly clean, Lichen longs for that more than anything else, they try their best and although their transgressions are few in the face of perfection they are many.
Tabby -
Tabby reminds Lichen of their younger siblings in the worse possible way, when they look at her they're reminded of themself and their sisters. Conditioned to belive that their only roles where home makers in service of a god that won't even listen to their prayers. Lichen tries to avoid her, she reminds them too much that they are in a cult and they'll all die here.
Although they rarely talk, Lichen sees Tabby as a younger sister and any time they have they'll come and see if Tabby will allow them to help in anyway possible, if she's passed out, Lichen will carry her to her dorm so she isn't caught out of bed.
Shannon -
Lichen doesn't know if they're the only hunter that is willing to actually help gut and prepare the animals they bring in, but from Shannon's reactions that seems to be the case.
Lichen is however the only one that sews the anuses of animals to stop them from leaking faecal matter into the meat and fur, and that was at Shannon's request. It seemed disgusting at first but as Shannon pointed out, so is everything else in butchery so they quickly got over it.
Lichen sees Shannon as a mentor figure and hopes that if an apprentice position opens up they'll at least be considered. Lichen is doesn't feel the need to throw on the cold and distant mask around Shannon. They don't mind Shannon's quirks, and enjoy his company, and for some reason, they refuse to think on, is a little jealous of the attention Shannon shows Belle.
The Shepard
"I will die here, and when I'm nothing but the bones on His alter and the blood in His clothes, I hope at least The Shepard remembers me for however long his life surpasses mine."
Kehan -
Kehan is everything that Lichen wants to be in the flock. It may be a sin to admit so they never have but Lichen looks up to Kehan more than any of the Oracles.
Lichen is just as loyal to Kehan as they would to any of the Oracles. Kehan is the main reason that Lichen takes on so much and tries their best to pick up the slack of the other lambs when they have the time.
Lichen does try to have more casual conversations with Kehan but they very quickly head towards Lichen just volunteering for chores, or otherwise trying to lighten Kehan's load.
Farmers
"The hardest job in service of Him. One bad harvest and the only one that eats is Him."
Robbie
If paths crossed more often Lichen would probably find themselves getting closer to Robbie, the few conversations they have when dropping things off to the kitchen have been pleasant.
However the double edged sword of that is that Lichen hasn't seen Robbie at his worst and won't risk getting closer to him until they have.
Lila
At first Lichen thought they would experience the same jealously of Lila as they Belle, but then she was bled week after week and realised that her devout words don't translate into her actions.
Lichen is able to relax around her, of course she'll snitch, it's their duty to keep the flock free of sin, but Lichen has discovered a very important weakness of hers, she needs to be seen as important, so all Lichen has to do is wrapped praises around The Divine's purpose and she's much more likely to focus on that. It's not fool proof she's not stupid, but it's always worth the chance.
Lichen does have more causal conversations with her and on the outside they would seem like friends, but in all honestly Lichen doesn't really care for her and is pretty sure they could drop dead tomorrow and Lila would make snide comment about them not living up to The Divine's standards.
April
If her appearance didn't give it away, the fact that nobody talks to her and rumours of her murdering every roommate she's had gave it away that not only can she not be trusted but she's extremely dangerous.
Lichen avoids her but if they're honest with themselves wouldn't stop her from killing them if it came down to it, the end result is the same, and at least when she's done with them there won't be a body to consume.
Hunters
"You would think that we would have the same bonds of the Healers and the Cooks but in reality our paths rarely cross and most of us wouldn't be surprised to find another's corpse. There's so many of us I can't afford to dampened my skills, my skin is cleaner than theirs for a reason and I plan to keep it that way."
Danny, Katya and Rose. -
Since Lichen is trying to prove themselves as a hunter and Natalie clearly doesn't care, they find themselves talking to these three a lot. Lichen is still distant with them but will make causal conversation.
There's an expectation that the hunters be as close as the other role assignment groups but that is solemn the case. Wether or not they are bled for breaking sin 6 is dependant on catching an animal each hunt and during the winter this makes the competition brutal, Lichen can't afford to have a soft spot for these three, they need to use their familiarity with these forests to their advantage and refuses to share that knowledge or even hint they have it.
If they were lambs in a different roles Lichen might've seen them as friends instead of rivals.
Natalie -
Lichen needs to prove themself to Natalie, or at least be on her level, and they will be, they're catching up and she is slowly realising that Lichen isn't the confused dumbass they make themselves out to be to the other hunters. If Lichen switched to a gun there's a good chance they could get as much game as Natalie, ans she's voiced this a few times, however they refuse for a very simple reason. Ammo is a scarce resource and while Natalie gets priority there's no guarantee Lichen will have the same privilege. Lichen is one of the few hunters that knows how to hunt effectively without a gun and they will keep that advantage.
The reason this unlikely friendship works is because Natalie has been the only one to get Lichen to freely shit talk the flock, how much of a cult it is, and that they work so hard to keep themselves and those they care for off the chopping block.
Lichen and Natalie don't team up at all however and conversations are kept to minimum because they could both be bled or worse for them. It was until Annabeth came around that anyone knew that Natalie and Lichen even acknowledge each other at all.
Unknowingly it's this friendship with Natalie that has made Lichen so hostile to the idea of opening up to the other hunters.
Annabeth -
At first Lichen didn't know what to think of Annabeth and felt like the feeling was mutual. For the longest time they simply feel into the same morning and night routines without much conversation.
It didn't feel awkward, at least not for Lichen, for the most part it was relieving that at the end of a bad day they could still find peace in that small dorm.
With exception of the night terrors. Lichen has tried their best to not impose, they're both aware of the night terrors and Lichen isn't going to make her open up until she's ready. Lichen also knows that they just have to wait the night terrors out, nothing is going to stop them once they start.
Lichen doesn't know if Annabeth is aware of this fact, but since she's literally screaming it usually alerts an Oracle, most of Lichen's interactions with Oracles is explaining that Annabeth isn't actually awake she's having a psychological episode.
Lichen has learnt to kinda just sleep through the night terrors and is more disturbed when they sleep through an Oracle knocking on the door and suddenly standing over them. Sleeping through the night terrors has also been a frequent conversation with the Oracles.
Slowly the similarities between the two of them became more and more apparent. They're both hunters so Lichen was more than happy to clean the blood out of their clothes at the same time, only if Annabeth's expressly agrees, would fold Annabeth's up and leave them on the bed or chest as to avoid breaching the tiny amount of privacy available.
The two of them also have the shared interest in journaling, Lichen just doesn't know how to start that conversation since Annabeth isn't the most approachable.
Lichen also just pretends they don't notice Annabeth's rule breaking, if Lichen isn't going to snitch on the other member's of the flock, they sure as shit aren't going to snitch on the person they have to live with. And just acting like an air head is the easiest way to keep that plausible deniability.
Safe to say Annabeth id the only other hunter that Lichen will bother to get close too.
Gatherers
"In a lot of ways their jobs are a lot harder than the hunters and I don't envy the position they're in, I would lock myself in the sacrificial chamber before I offered myself in their place."
Alette -
Lichen adores Alette. They see her as a younger sibling, and although she is constantly surrounded by The Oracles, if she would ever come to them for advice or anything really, Lichen would drop everything to help.
They very rarely speak due to Lichen's low rank in the flock.
Part of this is the tacit idol worship that The Divine encourages of her, part of it is that she reminds Lichen of their own younger siblings they had to leave behind.
Hayden -
Lichen ignores Hayden for a very simple reason, he is friends with Jeff and Lichen hates Jeff due to getting Jane bled for his actions. It's one of those things where that part of Lichen craves vengeance bubbles to surface and to avoid taking that out on the literal child they avoid said child.
Lichen does understand that Hayden is friends with Jeff for same reasons they want to get close to Annabeth, proximity, but that doesn't really change the situation.
Delilah -
Lichen pities Delilah, they haven't really talked, and Lichen doesn't know much about her other than she gives her heart freely and is taken to the alter for it.
Lichen wants to step in, teach her how to hold feelings for others while keeping them close to the chest, but that would require exposing themselves and that's a risk they will not take.
If Lichen sees her in the fields, they direct her in the right direction, it's the most they can do while keeping up their carefully crafted facade.
Nessa -
Lichen has seen enough scared animals to know not to corner them and to keep far away as possible in order to get close, but Nessa isn't something they are hunting or want to close too.
In a previous life Lichen might have extended the hand, showed her the kindness she clearly needs and tried to be a rock for her, but their are others in the flock that can do that for her, and Lichen can't save everyone, not when there are literal wolves among the sheep. They hope that Nessa can find a voice but know it's more likely that the most impact she'll make is on the alter.
Billie-Mae - @dollsyiie (The link is broken on the master post as time of writing so I hope you don't mind the @)
At first they found Billie-Mae to be a complete hindrance and she annoyed them enough that Lichen was determined to fuck with her in some way. The reason for this was extremely petty and they're embarrassed that they even had those sorts of thoughts in the first place. Billie-Mae is excellent at making animals calls and tricked Lichen. It cost them a single hunt and they weren't even bled for it due to making up for it during the afternoon.
The more they've met in the forests the more Lichen has started to see her as a younger sibling and has come to care for her a lot. It was because of her they learnt how to do animal calls and it has become an invaluable skill that has saved their ass more times then they can count. If they ever see that Billie's basket isn't full enough they have her tag along with them until that situation is remedied and she's not a bad hunting partner.
Now whenever Lichen hears calls that sound like her, they'll join in and it's a good way to check in on her and make sure she's alive, it also means they're no longer at risk of being tricked by her calls.
Lichen is trying to teach her how to read and write again, but there's only so much free time on their hands and that's big undertaking, also Lichen sucks as a teacher.
Lichen doesn't encourage Billie-Mae when she wants to mess with the other hunters but they don't stop her either, unless it's Annabeth.
Maintenance
"It seems to be fitting for the role of maintenance a lamb must be the most insufferable bastard the flock is able to tolerate."
Ben -
Lichen avoids Ben, the way he's able to just know shit is suspicious, sure he would be a useful friend to have but it would require too many bleedings to get to that point and Lichen is not risking it.
Jeff -
The only person in the entire flock that Lichen has gotten into a physical fight with.
Lichen cares for Jane a lot and ironically due to this fight Jeff is one of the few people that is aware of this fact because that's the reason the fight started.
Lichen had seen Jeff with a particularity strong pain solution the healers use for almost lethal injuries and demanded that Jeff put it back, because they knew Jane would be bled for any minor offence they could get her on in retaliation, and when Jeff refused Lichen punched him square in the nose.
Lichen found out two very important facts that day, there's no official rules against lambs fighting each other, and most of the Oracle's don't believe that Lichen is even capable of starting a fight since Jeff was bled for stealing and lying while all Lichen had to say was that Jeff was lying.
They haven't had to use this knowledge and haven't mentioned it to anyone, but it's safe to say that Jeff and Lichen have a mutual disdain for each other.
Lee
Lee's friendship to Ben is a threat and Lichen treats it as such.
Lee is always watching, Lichen isn't in the monastery enough to know if those eyes act as a line to the alter bowl and aren't willing to take that risk.
Valentin
One of the few lambs that Lichen is actively afraid of. Valentin knows Lichen and that's much more dangerous than a blade. He'll waltz around and purposely try to pry Lichen out their carefully crafted shadows. There's intelligence in his madness, and there's similarities between the two that Valentin has not only picked up on but honed in on.
Lichen has an easy enough time brushing him off, playing in the assumptions of others to do so, and might have though him just mad like everyone else does. What snapped Lichen out of that train of thought are the passing comments, almost innocent if not for the look accompanied with them, about Titus. Valentin doesn't make it obvious, and that's the part that puts Lichen on edge. Lichen's only saving grace is Valentin's own sins with Belle, if Lichen were to garner Valentin's focus they might consider breaking their no snitching rule.
Cleaners
"I rarely see them due to my role as a hunter, but their works shows by the fact that despite all the monastery's faults we're not living in squalor."
Helen -
Lichen avoids Helen, they've been around for an episode and it wasn't great to say the least, Lichen wasn't the victim nor was it anybody Lichen cared about but it did set a presentient.
Inez -
Inez is clearly traumatised by something and the flock is not going to help her in anyway. Lichen doesn't want to hate a child that's being formed into the product of her environment but it's hard not too. She's growing up in place where blood, control and violence comes as naturally as the sunrise each morning, the only way for her not to grow into cruelty would to be to leave this place, and there's only a couple of ways that happens.
Of course it's not her fault when there are rewards for stabbing each other in the back, and most people's price seems to be a nail in the wall.
Priscilla -
Priscilla is cold and unapproachable, that's not something that Lichen does or can judge her for, it just means that the closest the two get to getting along is simply being in the same room in dead silence.
There has been a time where Priscilla scolded them for an overall poor hunt, but considering Lichen brought in the most meat second only to Natalie and Priscilla is simply another lamb, they zoned out, apologised and haven't thought more on it after that point.
Lagrimal -
Lichen doesn't notice them most of the time.
Lichen has tried casual conversation but that feel short, when Lichen realised they write in braille, Lichen tried to learn but without any actual resources that also fell short.
Hemlock -
Lichen couldn't point her out in a crowd of lambs, this is like Priscilla where since they're also shy and Lichen's role takes them out of the monastery there just isn't enough interaction between this two for Lichen to have a real opinion of them. This means Lichen is probably just as cold to them as anyone else Lichen doesn't know.
Riley -
One of the few cleaners that Lichen not only remembers but probably gets along with. They share that need to pick up the slack for others and getting punished for taking to much on. Lichen will step in and help Riley with what she's doing if time is ticking down.
Lichen wants to get to know her better, and like every other person they don't know how to approach, they end up just helping her with chores and listening to her when she talks for the most part. Lichen worries that the flock is going to take the kindheartedness from her and leave her as a husk of her former self. Choosing to be kind in this place is a good deed that never goes unpunished.
Mallory -
The few interactions Lichen has had with Mallory she's been either self absorbed or someone caught her doing something and she tried to stop them from snitching by flaunting her looks, it didn't work and she's the age of at least one of Lichen's sisters so they find it weird, but considering a lot of the people here are younger Lichen can't blame her for trying at least.
Noan -
Lichen is fascinated by Noan, for the simple reason that other than the literal immortals running around she's the eldest in the cult and there's so many implications that has for the flock and it's structure. Until Lichen noticed her, they were, and still are, convinced they were dying as a sacrifice in their mid thirties at the latest, but Noan proves that there is a way to survive in this cult without dying painfully young.
The problem is Noan surrounds themelves with people, mainly Valentin, Nicholas and Lexi, that Lichen is actively trying to avoid.
Cycling Lambs
"A mixed bag, none of them have found their place and most likely never will, however if the time comes and the opportunity ever arises, I might risk helping a few of them escape down those mountains."
Grace - @artsartblog (wanted to be @'d)
Lichen feels bad when it comes to Grace, she was the first genuine hand that was reached towards them and Lichen bit it. They treated her the same way they treat everyone else, distanced themself and acted as cold as possible. Lichen is afraid of trusting people, especially those close to the Oracle's and Grace was one of the first people to be on the receiving end of that fear.
The thing that makes Lichen feel guilty about this as opposed to the rest of the people that have gotten this treatment is that Grace never really changed the way she treats them, she backed off but it seemed to be less of a reaction and more so respecting Lichen's boundaries which is not something Lichen is used to, it's not even something they experienced before the flock.
Graces continues to be kind and even takes the time to check in on Lichen, and one of the few people that reciprocates Lichen's attitude of helping others with chores even when it comes at a risk to herself, and she's much more outwardly kind about it then Lichen is.
Lichen doesn't know how to bridge this gap of their own making, and apologising seems almost impossible without exposing their own vulnerability, so instead they've resorted to the only way they know how, if their hands are free they'll offer to help Grace with chores.
Cole -
Lichen at one point slipped a note that was a recipe for hair dye made of blackberries and beetroot that's still temporary but would at least darken her roots for a few weeks, they never told Grace they were the one to write this note and don't know if she even considered it, but they noticed the dark dye and her lamenting the lack of individuality under her breath and tried to help to make up for being shitty.
Lichen respects the moral conviction that Cole has and the lengths they'll go to prove it.
Lichen is distant with them though and won't ever mention this respect for the same reason, the Oracle's make targets of people like Cole and their associates.
Lichen needs to keep their head off the chopping block and avoiding Cole is one of the many things they need to do in order to accomplish that.
Skylar -
Lichen has the same worries and pity for Skylar that they do for Inez, the difference being that they also hope that the flock doesn't take that spark from her like it has Inez.
Nina (The Killer) -
This is another case where her proximity to Jeff means that Lichen will never get a long with her and is more dismissive of her.
Jane (The Killer) -
Due to very shared similarities in the ways they were forced welcomed into the flock. Jane is the closest that Lichen really has to a friend.
This bond did form very slowly and at the beginning they were just as stand offish and cold with each other. Over time they got to know each other, while Lichen's indoctrination story is pretty well known around flock, they don't much about the other's except for Jane's.
Lichen had to prove they were safe to be around and Jane had to prove she could be trusted.
Now whenever they see each other around the monastery and nobody else is watching, they'll talk and take joy in each other's company, only to act like strangers in front of the other's.
Dina -
Lichen avoids her for the same reasons they avoid every other hollier than thou snitch in this place. They hope all those nails in her wall are worth it.
Currently thinking about how Hikaru's good humor was mostly a mask to deal with difficult situations, with the weight they left him to carry since childhood... While "Hikaru's" good humor is just pure appreciation for life
Ughhh they make me sick 🤕
There are moments in the manga where "Hikaru" even tries to smile in the face of problems, but he's so honest that is easy to see he's panicking inside lol
For the @flock-of-the-divine , The other character featured belongs to @wildeing1505 I hope you enjoy and that I got your character correct!
"You're not human" Nicholas did not mean to sneak up on the boy. He thought he had been noisy enough in his approach that the child would hear him but no apparently. For the newest shepherd stood stock still, clothes and face rain slicked as the air around them filled with the sound of falling water. Nicholas leaned down slightly putting what he hoped was a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder.
"No shame in it. If the man does the job then I don't care much for the constitute of his body." Nicholas looked at the boy who looked at him. He was a handsome young man, or so Nicholas assumed under the mask he wore. It was funny, Nicholas could tell the exact moment the boy saw the scar on his neck.
"Did I do something wrong..?" The boy looked like he was about to roll over and vomit or run screaming. Nicholas screwed up his face and what he hoped was a pleasant enough smile.
"No brother.... Shepherd" Nicholas spoke slowly. The sheep liked it when you spoke slowly same with the lambs. It was best to approach them with care when you wanted to approach them at all which Nicholas rarely wanted to do. He hadn't even learned this 1's name or the 1 before that or the 1 before that.
"Kehan." The boy, Kehan spoke softly. He was still shivering. Nicholas was beginning to think he had too weak of a constitution to be a Shepherd... He was going to have to speak to someone about this.
"You've come a long way haven't you" Nicholas said the question as a plain statement as he finally let go of Kehan's arm much to the boy's relief.
Kehan nodded slowly as if he was wondering what the correct answered to the statement was.
Nicholas nodded in return. This was good, though Kehan was not from any place Nicholas had gotten the pleasure to visit anyone from a continent other than the new country had his respect.
"They have sheep where you're from?" Nicholas attempted to say casually but his thick German accent and matter of fact way of speaking made the words come out harder than he would have meant.
Kehan blinked slowly for a minute not liking having been put on the Spotlight by an Oracle especially at this time of day.
He stared at the odd man that he had only seen a scant few times over his long stay at the monastery, as Nicholas bent down to gently scratch behind the ear of a sheep.
"Well-" Kehan was about to reply before getting cut off.
"It doesn't matter much, I can tell you take good care of them that's what matters." Nicholas interrupted carelessly as he stared into the face of one of the sheep.
Nicholas had always cared for sheep. That is what he had done in the great before, care for his family's sheep. As a younger man he had been more rigorous with the shepherds, it was not uncommon for one he found sub par to walk around with bandages on their wrists more than shoes on their feet.
And though he had over the past few centuries lost some of that vigorous protectiveness over the animals he still cared deeply for them.
"Thank you?" Kehan did not mean the words to come out as a question but they did.
"Yes." Nicholas said curtly leaving the sheep he had been looking at alone and moving to another. It was always best to double check.
"Why-y are you here?" Kehan said softly before realizing that it could come off as a challenge of the man's authority "I mean of course you can be over here if you'd like to be! I just would like to help in whatever way I can."
"We put a vampire in charge of the sheep once. Well built fellow, a bit like you. He was draining them, sin in the eyes of my friend and sin in the eyes of me..." Nicholas turned away from the sheep once again looking directly into the eyes of Kehan, who felt himself buckling under that piercing gaze.
Despite the man's height it was obvious that he should be younger then Kehan, but there was something about his eyes that said he was much much older.
"I bled him. And then I bled him again. And I bled him again." Nicholas smiled standing up to his full height as he spoke.
"Oh.." Kehan, looked Nicholas up-and-down.
"I can tell you a good man. You are my favorite type to tend to the sheep I will enjoy seeing you among the flock." Nicholas gave a short kurt nod at the end of his speech before walking slowly back to the monastery rain soaking his large Fur coat.
@flock-of-the-divine is the AU, Wern Belongs to @harpy-ribs (I really hope I got her character right sorry if I didn't) without further ado enjoy!!
Nicholas looked out his window. Autumn was coming quicker than he wished. He could see in the distance the new shepherd. The blue one. Odd man but he seemed to take good care of the sheep and that's what mattered to Nicholas.
Well what mattered most of the time for now there was a person in his room.
"Why are you here again?" Nicholas made a point of moving slowly to look at the intruder on his space.
Wern, the woman as he preferred to call her in his head, cleared her throat before speaking.
"We-" The woman was about to speak but Nicholas interrupted her raising a hand as a show of silence.
"By divine's grace woman! It's barely even midday. If this matter was so urgent then I would assume they'd send someone... More precient to speak to... If it is a mild concern over some sin or scheduling that is not my territory" Nicholas rubbed between his, brow. He could feel a headache building there, after all. For God's sake did he dislike this one.
"You've been assigned for patrol" Wern said with the same amount of disdain he had just lovelied at her.
Nicholas blinked slowly. He hadn't been put to patrol in... Well quite some while. Nicholas was mostly left to his devices, only asked about the gray line between sins or how much of this or that they needed or if the day was good how to kill a monster.
Occasionally someone would come to him with a more interesting question about their history or about the divine. But never with a proposal of such a job. Of course he worked in the gardens and hunted but patrol.. That was beneath him. But he didn't say that.
"What?" Nicholas simply looked at the woman before him whose face grew too smug for his liking.
"Brother Nicholas." Wern spoke sickly sweet.
"I'm just worried you haven't been pulling your weight around lately, I mean you spend most of your days cooped up here" Nicholas hated the tone the woman spoke to him in. As if he was a child. He was older than this woman's great-great-grandfather by miles.
And he had heard this foolish song-and-dance more times than he could count. It was always some Uppity person, man or woman who came in and thought that they were special. That the divine had smiled upon them in some specific way.
Nicholas had wondered and still did, for centuries how the divine kept on accidentally drawing in either self righteous fools or sniveling wining brats.
"I'm sorry woman were you expecting me to write a whole new almanac in a week" Nicholas grumbled, of course he'd go on patrol. It'd be good for him to get out and do some good old-fashioned patrolling. Even if it was beneath him. The work must be done.
"No but you've been at it for a year now" Wern spoke softly as she looked Nicholas up-and-down. It was funny; she looked older than him. Only in the body sense of course. She had only been around for a few decades. Hardly a familiar face.
"This sort of work takes time.... You people of the new world have been spoiling your Earth to the point where even the damned animals have gone mad, so it is pertinent our hunters know what to hunt" Nicholas spoke with a sigh going to the extent to speak his old mother's curses under his breath.
Wern looked like she was about to attempt to argue with him, to claim herself some more superiority in the conversation. But she only sighed leaving the room promptly.
"Oh dear friend.. I fear there is no helping a woman like that. I give her a century or so. She'll buckle under the weight of it I do think.." Nicholas muttered in his native tongue as he got up out of his big cozy armchair.
His room was slightly different than the other oracles. He had made that armchair with his own hands, most of the furniture in his room was in fact made with his own hands. Nicholas was a crafty man and had had more than enough time to learn many crafts.
So then as he sat down at his desk chair and leaned up against his mahogany desk he felt a sense of pride. He lived in extravagance made by his own hands. This was the kind of room that he had dreamed of as a small boy. And these children, especially the lambs didn't know that.
Even the Oracles seemed softer. After all one of them had spared a baby. Yes the baby it would be her birthday soon... She would be.. Nicholas looked down at his fingers.
19.
Nicholas was astonished by that. It felt like just yesterday he had seen the tiny thing in the crib. It felt like only a week ago that he had held that tiny thing in his arms alone, when the girl who had saved the tiny thing left.
Only mere hours ago that he had rocked that thing gently in his arms and spoke to it in his old tongue.
Mere minutes ago that he had told that little thing of his baby. How she had golden hair like wheat grass, how he had never held her in his arms, how much she was like the little thing he spoke to.
He did not of course tell the baby of what happened to that little tiny thing. Nicholas was old enough to know that babies could hear you especially when you spoke in the old tongue.
He did not tell her why he did not suffer the same fate as her father. Why he had lived so long and her father had lived so short. That child did not know of the grand lie that had kept Nicholas alive for so many years despite committing such a great sin so long ago.
Well it was good he was going on patrol then. First of course he'd have to ask the divine his dearest friend. But if he could he'd bring back some meat just for her. He was sure the divine would permit such for his own daughter.
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