A half step of a shuffle closer as Ananke speaks, the raven is watching her carefully with one eye. Part of him preens at her surprise, convinced he's special for having heard Mother so soon, so easily. Part of him tenses at the idea of being weak, needing to be taken care of, to wait... but most of him gets it.
Decisive victory against failure, to avoid it yourself, requires tactics and preparation beyond what simply amassing an army of capable creatures can do.
The idea that She's been watching him, waiting for him, for the opportunity to bring him to what he knows he deserves and needs... his body language seems torn between intrigue and pride. A few clicks of his beak, and he speaks.
"I think... I'd like to come with you." his head tilts back and forth as he mentally looks at the link, picking up on Ananke's emotions and his own reflecting hers. His patience is tainted with reluctance, borne of fear of more pain... pf being a Failure as well.
"If what you say and what I... see... feel. Is entirely accurate. I'd like to come with, to join you all, if I suit Mother's expectations."
"When I speak."
When I think.
@Ananke
He seems to be fidgeting in place, but also still. Most likely the rhythmic ruffling of his feathers in the warm-cold winds, or the new feeling he needs to adjust to in his mind. Or maybe, the energy under his skin at knowing he now nearly serves a new purpose.
Oh who was he kidding- he's useful. Mother will keep him, and he'll be useful to someone else again and not wind up like the rest of the Failures. If not... then. Well. He is Not, he refuses to be anything he isn't. He is useful, interesting, and better than what he's seen.
The raven offers a sharp nod to Ananke at the mention of meeting others- there are always others, and the rabbit had mentioned them before.
"Makes sense to meet them beak to nose, instead of simply... waiting." he agrees, eyes squinting in his version of a duly pleased smile. The bird is presuming the need to introduce him to others is for safety's sake... and he appreciates that. Caution is like a pulled feather- useless when thrown to the wind.
Tilting his head once more, and flicking some snow from his head, he eyes Ananke. "The... offer is appreciated. I may take you up on it if the skies white out, but... myself and holes do not mix. Den or not, tight spaces make a part of me crawl if I can touch the ceiling with my beak." the first time he's come across as kind, or partially apologetic in this entire conversation, and it makes his throat puff slightly in discomfort. Alliances go both ways, as do any relationships. Trust is harder to build if you act like a fish bone stuck in someone's throat. is a calm, inner reminder.
"When I speak."
When I think.
@Ananke
Ananke looked Not over--in particular his wings--and gave a quiet laugh of amusement. "No, you... need freedom, don't you?" She shook her head, smiling a little--the sort that scrunched the eyes, rather than curled the lips.
"Well--I am going to head back that way now; this place is a little..." She glanced off at the lava. "Warm, for me. But you're welcome to come with me. If you don't want to, well--I'd suggest... listening to Mother. I don't mean obeying--but if you pay close attention to our link, it will grow stronger faster. We can even speak through it, eventually," she added, easygoing, even content.
There was no response; that did not mean Not wasn't coming up with one, but for now, Ananke found herself drifting into distant thought.
fade to black // exit due to inactivity