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Post by ` f a o l a n } on Jun 26, 2009 19:19:42 GMT
If we do maybe it'll all go away...The dark cavern was uninviting. Still, many a wolf had traveled here for the sake of adventure. The sake of hope and the thought of escaping with one's life and a story to tell. However, rockfall, chaos, and danger hid around every corner. The eyes of mysterious animals would watch one as they passed, while certain sections of the cave were oxygen-free pits of toxic gas. There were also the dangers of missteps. Certain spots were bottomless pits of water with wood floating atop it, disguising it for flat land. Any who tread lightly on the wood, found themselves sinking into the forever abyss of black water.
This was exactly why most wolves never made it far into the caverns. Either animal attacks, dangerous pools of swirling black water, or poisonous gasses stopped the. But one wolf had made the darkest corner of the mine his home. Having dug out a small tunnel at the top of a rockfall, invisible unless you knew right where to look, led back into a bleak tunnel. At the end of it was a great drop to sudden death, and an ancient wooden shaft led both up to the heavens and down to the center of the earth.
And Faolan was the only wolf who had ever dared to climb the old shaft. He'd discovered a few leaps down along the wooden beams a very large bucket once used to transport rocks. The steal cable that held it up was jammed and wedged now by a rockfall, so that it was caught and it no longer went down nor up. This bin was big enough to fit Faolan, who was indeed very large, and even gave enough room for two more small fully-grown wolves. It was held tight and firm, and whenever Faolan jumped into it the great metal basket would sway ever so slightly and rock him into sweet dreams.
The darkest caverns and the dimmest places were Faolan's favorite. He could wander for hours, lost but never quite lost, in the deep tunnels that had been blocked off by the rockfall. Since he had dug his way into these series of caverns he had never felt so happy to have finally found a home. And it was on one of these long, random walks that he found a very small, dim speck of light. An exit to the cave he knew, it was several hours from finding his home. It was barely big enough for a young pup to fit through, let alone large Faolan, but with a few times ramming into the wall it fell apart and revealed bright daylight. Faolan smiled as he trotted out into the lovely, no-longer-stale air. Maybe he'd go hunting. Maybe he'd go back inside. It didn't matter. All that mattered was warm sunshine and a beautiful day. And for the first time in a while, a pinch of joy spread through Faolan's eyes.
or maybe it'll just get worse
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Post by Shin on Jun 26, 2009 20:29:43 GMT
She was alone, and she knew it. The trees, the lovely trees, and the equally lovely birds, were becoming sparse. Trying to remember her purpose, heading in this direction, she inhaled deeply. There was surely a scent, and though not quite pleasant, it was a wolf. Traymier longed so desperately for a voice to fill her head. Any voice, of her own kind. Though the bird’s songs may be beautiful, they were barely company for her. If she didn’t socialize soon, she worried that she would become one of those hermits, despising any contact from others. That would never happen to Traymier though, no, she was the kind who wanted attention and nothing else.
Hearing a faint click, she looked down at the ground. It had been her claws, bone on rock. The ground was becoming hard, and a little uncomfortable. Minding any serious spikes of stone, she took one more whiff. The scent was growing stronger, but the safety of her surroundings was lowering with that. Still, she would stay the course. It had been weeks, months, since she had met another wolf. She wouldn’t let this one get away. Closing in, she found it to be male. That poked her nerves a tad, but didn’t waver her pace.
Now she could wipe any doubt from her mind, for in front of her was standing the one she had sniffed out. He was large, very large. A little intimidating, actually. But what reason would he have for hurting little young her? Coming closer, still deciding to stay hidden, she examined his fur. It was dark, so dark… she shivered a bit. Shaking it off, both figuratively and literally, she came out from behind her cluster of rocks.
”Well, hello there.” She said, smiling in a somewhat naive fashion. Looking at both of his golden eyes, she shook her head side to side as if there was a fly about. Walking carefully around him, she examined the hole in the rocks. His scent was quite heavy here. Looking inside, it seemed dark and bleak. ”Do you live here?” She asked, and disregarded the cave from then on, hoping she wouldn’t have to follow him inside. ”Anyways,” she sat down not to far from the side of him, ”My name is Traymier. Would you mind if I asked for your own?” She started to lick at her paw, partly feeling inadequate in cleanliness, and partly nervous for his answer.
[408.]
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Post by ` f a o l a n } on Jun 26, 2009 20:45:10 GMT
You'd better watch your back...The soft sun that fell upon the barren landscape cast glimmering gold across the valley. It may have been barren, but it was Faolan's home and he loved the beauty of the earth. His heart skipped about wildly as he let his guard slip. He casually watched the earth in awe at its beauty. He even let a small grin peel its way across his lips. But he never once scented someone approaching.
So when the snowy white wolf slipped out into the open he thought he might jump out of his fur. She was dainty and small, with apparent youth by her side. That was something Faolan didn't have. Her glowing white fur shimmered like a ghostly moon in the sun, and it made his own dark coat appear that much more dull and lifeless as it seemed to suck the sunlight right out of the sky. His dark orange eyes even seemed like ugly rock compared to her crystalline, sky-blue ones.
There were plenty of things that could get on Faolan's tail, but this she-wolf had just done two of them right now. One, made him jealous. Two, startled him. And he wasn't the kind of wolf who took kindly to such annoyances. The small grin on his face fell fast and his eyes turned to cold, hard lumps of coal hidden beneath an orange coat. She sat down near him and he side-stepped away from her, scowling coldly.
"What's it to you, pretty lady? And you'd best watch your tail. Plenty of guys out here, who're eager to get their hands on such a fine femme. Where's your pack, pup?" He spoke in a cruel ton that seemed to seep throughout him as even his body language was cold, cruel, and heartless. He spat onto the red rock which made a foothold for him and glared up at Traymier darkly, waiting for a reply.
I might be chewing on it
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Post by Shin on Jun 26, 2009 21:13:32 GMT
Spotting his face, she saw his grin fade away. What had she done? He avoided her, and she stood back onto four, small white paws. She craned her neck towards herself and took a loud, exaggerated sniff. ”What, do I smell?” She chuckled quietly, trying to phase out his spewing of downcast with her own of the opposite kind. For what reason would he be so unhappy for? Her being here? Like that would move her from this spot.
She listened blankly to his bitter-tasted statement, only startled when he spat on the ground. How polite of him. ”Well, I was just wondering if you must know. I didn’t mean to offend you.” She snorted and broke his stare, walking around to get a better look at him. ”You don't think I could hold them off?” Traymier said, grinning and in thought. Flicking her tail in his general direction, she worded his last question in her head before it met to her lips.
”I have no pack. I left them a while ago, for I was old enough to search out one of my own.” she now stared at him, ”I’m just not having luck, that’s all.” Looking to the side now, she wondered what to say. He would be a challenge, she knew that much.
After another odd silence, which was rare for her; but this situation was different, she opened her mouth. She had to mind herself, though. ”Well then. Are you going to tell me your name now?” She had told him hers, now why shouldn’t he do the same. Knowing one’s name was a strong thing, used easily against them. She hadn’t thought of that before her mouth slipped, though. The sun glared at her white coat, and she wondered if it bothered his eyes. He had looked at her funny when she first came. She didn’t move though, if she could not gain any respect, then why should she give it away?
[326.]
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Post by ` f a o l a n } on Jun 26, 2009 21:25:42 GMT
Follow me into my lair...Faolan listened to the white wolf and watched her intently. Something about her was almost intriguing, and she held herself with an odd heir of grace and strength. Well, grace and strength for being a young, dainty lady who would stand no chance against others in a fight. Faolan knew as much, and had to watch out for wandering rogues. Most of them tended to prey and pick on the weaklings they found, and Faolan knew for a fact that she was an easy target. He rolled his eyes as she ranted ad payed little mind to her.
That was when he scented rogues. They often traveled in groups of three or four, or at least the nasty ones did. There was a leader who was power-hungry and vicious, and always one or two little henchmen who had either joined out of fear or out of their own insecurity. They were generally easy to fight off, but Faolan felt a small tinge of guilt. Traymier reminded him a bit of his old mate, and he let a little of his harsh expression fade away and soften ever so slightly. It had always made his old mate happy, and he wanted to try and hold onto this Traymier as long as possible. It was nice to remember his past as it was, happy.
Faolan turned away from the arctic wolf and padded toward his den entrance. Or, at least the newly discovered entrance. He stopped right as he was before the dark shadow that led into the mine, and flicked his tail for her to follow.
"You'll be harmed lest you stay." He said in a dark, hollow voice and padded into the shadows of the tunnel, stepping to the side to let her pass. If she followed, that is. If she didn't he'd fill in the cave hole and leave her to fight off an easily irritable group of rogues who found amusement in doing cruel things to helpless ladies. Faolan didn't care what she did, as long as she chose quickly. The rogues were getting close.
well, that is, if you dare
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Post by Shin on Jun 26, 2009 21:41:45 GMT
She smiled, thinking it was her speech that had changed his expression. Watching him sniff the air, she was about to ask him what the trouble was until he turned to the cave of his. At least, she thought it was his. Wondering what to do, he gestured her with both a tail and a few words. Less harsh than before, but still harsh all the same. ”You’re saying I should follow you, after the way y-“ She whipped her head around, and thought she had heard a crack in the bush. Quickly, she scampered into the darkness without further hesitation.
She had heard of these caves, filled with numerous dangers that could easily kill a wolf. Skidding to a stop, she worried of falling and breaking a leg, or two. Oddly, she felt safe with this large wolf. Despite the way he displayed himself, he seemed to not be a threat, for now. She gave her blue eyes a moment to adjust, for she had not been in blackness this intense before.
Sniffing at a pool of water she found, she wondered if it was drinkable. She turned to the black male for a moment, the let loose her tongue. It was cool, refreshing, and tasted fine to her. She needed something to strengthen herself; she had been walking for quite a while before this. Taking a pause, she said, ”What have you gotten yourself all worked up about?” Taking a tiny look around the cave, she examined the sharp rocks that hung from the ceiling; a tad worried they’d drop.
[262.]
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Post by ` f a o l a n } on Jun 26, 2009 22:01:56 GMT
Watch you step...Faolan quickly pushed the pile of rocks back into place and completely blocked out the hidden entrance to the tunnel. He turned and padded after Traymier, passing her as she stopped to adjust to the light. The thik stench of rot and stale made Faolan miss the clear, open air. He knew that he could leave the cave if he wanted, but he decided best to stick out the rest of the day at home. He continued to pull himself around old mining tools, carts, rockfalls, and any other obstacle with ease. Unlike the other wolves, he was well accustomed to walking through these mine tunnels and could see or at least remember where each danger lay.
Eventually Faolan realized he had left Traymier far behind. He turned and padded back to see her worrying over a few stalactites.
"Scary, eh? That's not the half of it." He thought about the hidden abysses, rockfalls, holes, poisonous gasses, sharp tools, and other inhabitants of the cave. She had no idea what was to fear, and the rocks hanging from the ceiling were hardly something to fear at the moment. He set off again, reminding himself that it was her fault if she got lost again. Eventually he recognized the caves and knew he was close to his 'den'.
Faolan smiled as he saw the old, rickety wooden frame that housed him when he slept or needed rest. The steel cable wedged under a rockfall and the bucket that swayed ever so slightly. The lack of light was rather strange, however, and the fact that he could scarcely see himself never stopped him. He leaped with a strong grace out into the large bin and held himself inside it as the violent rocking slowed and eventually settled to a reasonable, gentle sway. He turned to look and see if Traymier had followed him. She'd probably need help making the jump over if she wanted. The bin was large enough, if she was brave enough.
there're dangers here
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Post by Shin on Jun 26, 2009 22:23:37 GMT
Hearing the sound of rocks scraping against each other. She turned just as the last ray of light was covered. Now she had to give herself a moment again, it was darker than she thought possible. At least in the nights the moon was there to give off the little light it did. Now, it was utterly dark. When she cut her thoughts off, she looked around to be utterly alone as well. Before she could panic, the wolf, who had yet to give a named, came into view. It was hard to distinguish his fur from the shadows, but steady breathing assisted in locating him.
Trying not to mind his pointing out of other dangers, she scrambled upwards to follow him. Close behind, she was surprised to see him jump towards what seemed to be nothingness. Closer inspection showed it to be a metal bin of some sorts, a human contraption. About to follow behind, a front paw slipped into a hole she hadn’t notice before. Why else would he have to jump. She thought to herself, shaming her stupidity. Backing up a hefty amount, she peeked over the ledge. It looked to be bottomless, at least, too far down to see the bottom.
Looking back over to the bin, she saw it to be moving quite a lot, back and forth. Waiting for it to cease its rocking, she paced around the hole to see if there was an easier way inside. There was no way she’d be left back here, in this place. Now that it had settled, she backed up a little farther. ”I’m coming…” She said nervously, trying to buy herself some time. ”Make some room.” She knew that wouldn’t be hard, she was tiny as it was. Then, she bolted towards the edge.
Paw using the edge of the hole for thrust, she flew across the pit. Not quite seeing where the bin was, she crashed into it with her stomach, winding herself with a high-pitched ‘OOMPH’. Hanging there for a moment, trying to recover, she stole a peek down. Nope, nothing down there. But she had scared her self, and scraped the side of the bin with her back claws, causing a deafening squeaking. Stopping immediately, both because she couldn’t stand it herself, and she worried to hurt the male’s ears, she sighed.
”I seem to be stuck…” chuckling, somewhat embarrassed, she wondered in the back of her head if he would help her. What a situation she had gotten herself into.
[419.]
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Post by ` f a o l a n } on Jun 27, 2009 1:28:49 GMT
I wish I had wings...Faolan watched as Traymier prepared herself for the dangerous leap that camenext. He could hardly imagine the tiny girl making the jump, but she was a brave thing at that. She had character. He smiled a little, but bit his tongue and forced himself back into his usual scowl of disapproval. Still, she made him feel like a puppy again with her silly ways and childish games. He had to stop thinking about it, but he was beginning to wonder if he might make a friend after all.
Traymier slipped as she attempted to cross over to the bin, and Faolan tried not to feel any fear. After all, she was putting herself into such danger and he had nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with it. He hated the feeling of guilt that welled inside him and he forced it away sharply, not wanting anything to do with any emotion linked to friendship or caring. He wouldn't subject himself to the pain of being torn away from one you loved again, and he most certainly was not about to try again. Merely because he was afraid of failure.
When Traymier made the leap, she misjudged the limit and landed awkwardly, stuck on the bin. She made a poor attempt to freeing herself and a painful racket rang from her claws as they scratched at the bucket. He sighed, standing and walking over to her despite the rocking. When the bucket rocked back he grabbed her and when it rocked back forward he used the angle and momentum to pull Traymier into the metal bin that was his terrifying home.
"Name's Faolan in case you were wondering." He said in a gruff voice that was somewhat tainted with annoyance. He sat back on his side of the bin and eventually laid himself down and sighed at Traymier.
"What brings a Pack Pup into the wild, hmmm?"
so I could fly away
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Post by Shin on Jun 27, 2009 2:54:24 GMT
Traymier landed into the bucket, with help from the wolf already in the bucket. Finally, he decided this was the time to reveal his name. “Well then, Faolan. Pleasure to meet you.” watching him lie down, she decided to do the same, on the opposite side of the metal containment that was his home.
It was the most peculiar view, almost eerie, like looking into a mirror of an alternate universe. He was male, she was not. His fur was the darkest onyx black, and hers the lightest ivory. Her eyes were blue and his were golden, as usual with wolves. Her mother had told her she was special to have the light blue eyes she does, as it was very rare in nature. She wasn’t sure, she sometimes felt as she didn’t fit in, but it accented her pelt quite nicely.
Not only by site were they different, but by personality. He always seemed unhappy, pouting, with some underlying sadness in his eyes. He had become irritated when she graced his presence. Traymier, on the other hand, was the one who had sought him out, looking for attention in some form. So there they both laid; her head parallel to his feet, and his to hers. She chuckled quietly at all she had gone over, but stopped at the sound of his voice again.
“I told you,” she said in mock prudence, because she could never truly be so nasty, “I’m not a puppy.” Turning her head up, only to whack it on the side of the metal wall, she looked back at him. “I’m a whole two, and a half, years old now. I think that passes puppyhood.” Going over the second half of his question, she didn’t really know what to say. “Well, as I said before, I left my pack to look for new wards. Since I haven’t found one, I became a loner.” And I loath every minute of it. she added in her head. At least now there was somebody to converse with.
Inhaling deeply, eyes closed to emphasise this one sense, it smelled strongly of this male named Faolan. “I take that you live here.” She said, trying best not to be judgemental. “I suppose it’s… cozy.” The metal wasn’t as cold as she expected it to be, whether it was from his own heat or something in the hole. She would have looked down now, but her comfortable position constrained her. The rocking stopped, thankfully, she was beginning to become sick. “What are you doing here, all alone, then?” She asked him, quietly now. He had saved her life, after all.
[439.]
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Post by ` f a o l a n } on Jun 27, 2009 3:29:55 GMT
You remind me...Faolan smiled at her comment and shook his head.
"Well I'm five so you're a puppy in my books." His voice was surprisingly light. But that small shock of happiness was gone almost instantly as he pondered her own question. He hated dwelling on the fact that he wasn't alone. And remembering the sorrow was too much to bear. The sorrows that filled his heart at the memories caused his face to become almost gentle, his eyes sparkling like diamonds and tainted with a dark sadness that was worse to watch than his angry expression.
She was a beautiful wolf. She had a muddy brown pelt like cream and she had vibrant pine-green eyes. Her light heart ahd caused his own light heart to skip a beat and make him want to dance and sing. And he did. The bright, vivid smile that stained his face made his dark, shadowy fur happy and beaming with a strange sense of awe. His eyes like pumpkins or flowers glimmered with an unwavering amusement. That was how he liked to remember her, too. May had been her name, and she had been his forever. They had always had a strong bond, with her fun and bubbly nature like a spring or a brook. A little more intoxicating than Traymier's and a bit quieter and gentler as well, but was something incredible. And then she was dead. Just gone.
Faolan choked a little as he tried to regain his dark side and not let himself appear weak or pathetic. He had to remember that he was a strong wolf and May was far behind him now. With a sigh, he looked sadly up at Traymier. Almost all of the harsh cruelty in his voice had completely evaporated.
"I wasn't always alone. But that's a long story." He said softly, pulling his gaze away and refusing to look up at her.
too much to bear
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Post by Shin on Jun 27, 2009 3:59:24 GMT
Giving up on trying to convince him, she rested her eyes intently on his face. He seemed happier now, maybe the whole bleak thing was just initial. Smiling her shining teeth, despite the lack of light, she was happy if he was happy. This grin slowly turned to a odd frown though, watching him ponder over her question.
Gee, I hope I didn’t make him gloomy again. Her hope was quickly rejected, though, as she watched hopelessly as he sunk lower. It was almost as if he wasn’t there, daydreaming off in some land of his. I liked it better when he was cross with me, she complained to herself. Not wanting to bother him, she laid her head unto the metal floor. It almost seemed colder now, as if he sucked all the warmth out of it.
She whined quietly, he seemed to have finished his reminiscing. She looked at him as he did the same, not moving her head. Traymier’s eyes simply rolled upwards, that was the reason they were able to do that. Then he spoke, the saddest thing she had heard, and turned away from her. Turning her ears backwards, she said, “I didn’t mean to upset you.” Only then did she move her head closer, carefully. Stretching her neck as she could from that angle, she still did not meeting his gaze, and then submitted and turned down towards a wall. Barely did she see her reflection, but a synchronized object that moved when she did.
“Though I don’t mind stories,” she said, trying her best to sound positive, “you don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.” Brushing her puffy tail against the shiny material, it made a quiet scraping noise. Trying to revert the conversation, she tried another question. “So what are we- er, what are you hiding me from?” Turning an ear in his direction, she wasn’t really sure if he’d look at her again.
[326.]
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Post by ` f a o l a n } on Jun 27, 2009 4:16:24 GMT
If you leave...Foalan ignored the immediate question and sighed.
"When I was young I was captured by humans and brought here from another land. They placed me here in the hopes of recovering me and my breed. Well, I wandered as an eager young pup for a while before I met a wolf in Slough Creek Pack. Her name was May, and I loved her with all my heart, and she loved me too. Even though I was a loner and hated the thought of being stuck in a pack I visited her as much as I could.
And eventually we became mates. She was the sweetest thing I had ever met, a bit like you. She was a soft beige color and she had pine-green eyes. She was my same age, your age now, two and a half. We were inseparable, and I was actually considering joining Slough Creek Pack with her - and she was considering becoming a loner with me. And then she told me she was having our pups. I found her not too long after, dead and murdered. That's when I became... Myself." He said simply, plainly, and suddenly his faced turned hard and cold as the shadows surrounding them once again.
"We're hiding from a small group of rogues. They're not too hard to fend off, they're all just power-hungry leaders and uneasy followers. But I hate to pit you up against strong loners." Faolan sighed and met her gaze briefly before turning away again. "They're gone now, so you can leave if you like." The last three words sounded strangely soft in the sentence, as if their gentle nature did not belong. In truth, Faolan didn't want Traymier to leave. But if she left and never came back, he'd understand. He was just too dark for such a kind femme.
I might just die
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Post by Shin on Jun 27, 2009 18:54:40 GMT
Her tail stopped, and she laid her head down once more. She wasn’t sure what to say. “I- I’m sorry.” Was all she could conjure up. She hoped she hadn’t reminded him to much of her. He spoke of these rogues again, as if she couldn’t defend herself. She was beginning to doubt herself, she wasn’t that weak. Snorting quietly, she waited for him to say something. In the time he had looked at her again, good.
Traymier was surprised at how he worded his last sentence. “I think I’d rather stay.” She said, smiling slightly. “Besides, what if those mean old rogues come back?” Rolling her eyes, she rolled over to show him her back. In truth, she was afraid to be left alone again. No matter how disturbed this Foalan was, she would stay here. Maybe she could help him. Turning over her head to see him, but remaining rolled over, she said, “Well then, how did you find this place? I mean, sure it’s dark and all, but it seems safe enough. Other than the bottomless pit-“ Shivering a bit, she was grateful to be hidden.
Looking upwards, she saw the measly rope holding the both of them. Gulping, she said, “That’d better… hold…” Then she hid her face under a paw. Had he just called me sweet? She wondered, and giggled to herself.
[227.]
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Post by ` f a o l a n } on Jun 27, 2009 19:03:06 GMT
Take my hand...The black loner shook his head and smiled at her words. They were soft as feathers and seemed to drift around and brighten the dim cavern. It made him feel whole again, and he realized that he was glad she was staying. After all, it had been a long time since he'd talked to someone. And an even longer time since he'd thought of May. With a soft sigh that was more inward than outward, he thought about her question.
"When I was young I wandered through these caves. I found a tunnel that had been blocked off by a rockfall and I dug out a hole in the top corner at just the right angle so you'd only see it if you were going through it. Then I explored for a while and found this place. It's held me for two years without trouble, that rope is a metal-like base, similar to this bucket. It's the wooden beams holding the rest up that worry me." He spoke reassuringly, then stood and cast his head down to look below. Even though he saw and heard nothing in either direction, he often wondered what was down there.
He'd actually considered exploring the caves several times before. He'd even attempted twice, but had decided not to risk his life on the slight chance that he found something cool enough. Maybe it was a water pit, or just an empty hole. And he'd never climbed up as he knew that because he saw no light there was no way out. So he just lived at peace, knowing there was something down below and something up above and never bothering to find out what. But he was still curious enough.
"Long way down." He said as he continued to stare down into the nothingness over the side of the bin that was his home.
and jump
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