Ezekiel.

-- {Skin starting to crawl, he glanced down at the girl, unsettled by her oddly friendly smile.} "They want to be our friends. They want to play. Just like the tiger..." //

-- see, much less children, detailing violent attacks. Men and women ripping people to pieces, devouring them in some cases. Film at eleven. What could he say to offer comfort?} You're safe. Those people... They're sick. "They're not. They're just different." --

-- to hoist #Mika on to his shoulders, turning so the littlest sister could have an unobstructed view of the big cat.} "Have you heard the stories on the news?" Which stories? "The ones about the sick people." {He had. Gruesome reports no one should have to --

-- Mika. I'm Ezekiel. 'It's nice to meet you!' {Tension ebbing at the friendly tone in the child's voice, he turned to her older sister, expectant.} "You're wrong." {Wondering where the stubborn girl's parents had wandered off to, he nodded slowly, reaching --

-- As long as we respect her space. "She wants to play. She wants to be our friend." 'Let's just leave, Lizzie!' {Taken aback by the swell of panic in the smaller girl's voice, he focused his attention on her, wanting to reassure.} What's your name? 'Mika.' --

-- alike enough that sisters was the only explanation.} "She wants us to go in. She won't hurt us." {Brow lifting at the girl's pronouncement, he sank into a crouch, gaze flitting between the pair.} Shiva... You don't have to be afraid of her. There's no need. --

-- watching his friend from the outside of her habitat fence.} The kids just want a show, Shiva... You're /more/ than an attraction, you're... "You should go in." {Startled by the child's voice, he turned to see two young girls standing at the door to the exhibit, --

-- paws landing softly on cement that should have been grassland, seeming to wait for him to speak as she lazily swished her tail.} Come now. You /know/ you're the favorite. {A smile tugging at the corner of his lips, he peered nonchantly up at the big cat, --

-- {It was the twilight time that he loved most. When the biggest tourist groups had made their way to the zoo's restaurants for dinner, and he could lose himself in caring for those in his care. Beautiful all. But he found his peace in Shiva. An enormous tiger, --

~ One Year Ago ~

Even in a world grown dark, we can still find reasons for celebration... @BPRP_Beastie! @RP_Beezy! On this, the birthday of two of the Kingdom's greatest citizens, I lift my glass in salutation. Thank you for the brightness you bring.

{allows, as sweetness is a luxury near lost in this harsh world} xitter.cf/_HaikusGoddess/status/…

Good Chaos, denizen of the Kingdom. {warmly} It is good to see you. xitter.cf/DitaVonChaos/status/99…