ORIGIN

Archimedes skittered back further as the larger, far more intimidating gembound melted out of the darkness. It was big, really big, and his whiskers trembled as he stared up from a safer distance.

When it spoke, though, he paused. He considered. It doesn't sound like it wants to hurt me.

He thought, for a moment, on Vladis' actual question. Name? A few raced through his head, and he settled on one firmly and quite abruptly. He knew his name. "Archimedes," he answered--quite softly, even shyly. His gaze flicked between the Echoing Gray and the tanuki, back and forth, wary--yet hopeful.

He wanted some way to speak with them--to not be left behind--without being potentially... well, he didn't know what, but his instincts were screaming.

He thought, for a moment, and then managed to formulate the most basic of plans: to speak to them, gauge their intent, and keep his distance, regardless. He decided abruptly that blunt honesty would be best.

"Your size--frightens me. I'd rather stay farther. From both. What--do you want?" The latter was not asked demandingly, but questioning, quizzical. He wasn't sure if they wanted something from him, or... from the rat den? Were they traders of some sort, strangers who frequented the area, perhaps? Neighbors?

Curious, yet still quite afraid, he peered at them both.

No response came, and the rat immediately found himself nervous. He changed his mind almost at once, and skittered back to--and into--the nest, not responding any further.

Yes, he was lonely; but the larger creature, and the way the other rat spoke--understanding, and yet... not... There was something surreal about it, something that put him on edge, something liable to haunt his memories--and his nightmares.