Tough was the hide of the vacant eyed rabbit who stared into the cold hungry gaze of hound born of hell. The meat stuck to its bones stubbornly and took a viscous snap of the hellion’s head to rend the flesh free to his ghost white jaw and sapphire tongue. It took the cur seconds to slap the blood covered portion down his neck before going in for another bite out of the knee. This gory act repeated until the doctor’s loyal servant had reduced his snack to nothing but bones to pick his teeth with. Not long after was when Aramis heard the call slice through the air, a command to assemble before the Lord Reaper, summons to another arduous task better known as a herd meeting. Slowly the hellhound rose onto his red smeared paws and quietly padded over to where his master dosed under the shadow of the mountain. In a way, the usually sullen and demented monster that stalked the frozen mountains was, for a moment, lost to the weakness sleep brought and instead his posture was almost a picture of peace. Accept for the way his legs stood rigid and scars riddled his body from memories that live in the hauntings of his mind. In the end the demon dog decided that he looked more tragic that peaceful. Time waited for none, however, and Aramis tugged the invisible chains that bound them together with his gloomy voice awakening the Nightshade. Reaper calls, Sir.

Crimson lids reveal d’Artagnan’s mismatched gaze that immediately glazed over into displeasure of attending more meetings. So much so that the shade was beginning to wonder how much of his life he’d spent standing around and listening to dribble presented in various different ways. It was hardly a little known fact that the Doctor had a dislike for social occasions unless it involved a fight in some way or another. Yet, obligation and duty was, what d’Artagnan thought, a rather unicorn trait and even though each meeting had yet to really mean much to him, the Nightshade went along regardless incase he missed something. He could always piss half the herd off if he got bored anyway, it was rather amusing to watch their looks of outrage and annoyance turn on him, like igniting an easily lit fire.

The walk to the gathering wasn’t all that long and his arrival was fronted by his vigilant canine guard who offered them all a hungry glare before falling in beside d’Artagnan as they came to a halt. The Doctor recognised most of the gathered with a few unknown horned faces passing through his surly gaze, the ever changing face of the Aurora Basin, yet the usual suspects remained. His attention was quickly turned to Deimos who began his report, the Nightshade amusingly noted that leadership had apparently done wonders for dusting off his usually short vocabulary, but he listened intently to each word and his gaze notably darkened at the notice of peace between the Basin and the Edge, something the Nightshade wasn’t very likely to agree with nor follow. He snorted in disappointment and flicked his tail, they had stolen his mare and his children, he couldn’t twist his black heart to be peaceful towards the western heathens. The shade said nothing of the matter, however, it was written on his face after all.

Surprises were full in this meeting! d’Artagnan nodded his thanks for his reinstated position, humble healer never sat right with him, but with the tender hearted Lena to work with he may be able to use his position for other things. Though he had to stifle a laugh at providing regular lessons, he almost wanted to ask Deimos ”lessons in what?” Suffice to say that he did feel rather sorry for any poor soul shacked with him for a tutor. However, the laughing wasn’t over as Illynx had apparently had another clever idea. Did she simply become Lady to piss him off? d’Artagnan looked at her with a stricken gaze that portrayed his disbelief. He couldn’t argue with the purpose, the horn was the ultimate gift, but dancing and merriment?! The world was getting far too whimsical for the Nightshade’s dark mind, however, perhaps he should take part. Festivals were famishing affairs after all, a little spice to the normal fodder might make the event more interesting. Perhaps he should honour Illynx with a double dose for her excellent contributions.

The Mender carried on plotting as the meeting continued.