Molepire: The Serpent's Silver Tongue

Meetings and lighters - [8]

[8]

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The bitter, brumous October weather stung my cheeks as I noticed a small note near my chests of belongings. It declared Cat was calling a meeting, and if I could assume from the little book drawing at the bottom - today was the day.

I drew in a shaky breath from my cigarette, ignoring the dirty looks thrown in my direction. I dropped it onto the grass, stubbing it out with the heel of my boot - so much for enjoying a fag. Crowds began walking towards the rows of chairs set out; in the center stood a lectern and a book. I smiled to myself, knowing that within the next 72 hours, that book would be mine. I took my seat opposite Casper, who glared at me. I quickly shot him a scowl as Aster and Katie walked in together, laughing in sickening unison. I bit back a laugh as they sat down together. Fern and Kassie dawdled in, both engrossed in their lame conversation - I adjusted my shirt, pulling one leg up to my chest as I wished for someone to, at least, talk to me. 

The wind whipped sourly as what felt like hours ticked by. Slowly but surely, the chairs began to fill as more people began to arrive. Then, the last mole turned around the corner and everyone fell quiet. Their cocoa-colored hair curled loosely around their chin as freckles splattered across their skin. The stranger's ears caught my attention, albeit, the ruddy fins contrasted those of the ground, gorgeous shades of moss greens and dusky browns shone in the sunlight. One eye was stormy grey, like my own, while the other was dark brown. Was this another Elder Mole? I glanced around at everyone else, no-one else seemed as confused as I did. I sighed, sitting back and kicking my heels upon to the chair in front of me. The newcomer hurried over towards Isaac, as everyone settled down. 

"-don't want to be with some for longer than I have to..." I felt a few pairs of eyes dart towards my direction as I smiled, unbeknownst to the shit my brother had been saying about myself. Cat walked over to the lectern, looking as stern as ever. She cleared her throat, grabbing the attention of the crowd. 'Finally.' I thought, raising an eyebrow as Isaac went to sit in the seat my feet were on. He huffed, walking to the back of the room to stand. 

"Right, hello guys," Cat said, smiling as she looked around the audience. Aster waved towards her, as I bit my lip to stop the snort of laughter - it didn't, a snort erupted from the crowd as Cat glared at me. She continued, placing her hands in front of her, "I bet you're all wondering why you're here. I can assure you, it's very important-" Casper interrupted loudly, "Are you gonna tell us what it is though?!" Cat gritted her teeth, inhaling deeply before replying calmly, "I was getting to that, Capper." He sunk back into his sit, muttering inaudible curses. She spoke boldly, addressing the entire room; neither me or Casper really knew what this meeting was about. "We have reached a decision, two in fact. And, may I say, both will affect the Molepire."

I scratched the small bandage around my neck, the small but deep cut from the Nymph still ached as I turned my head. I hoped no-one had noticed it, as I'd decided to wear a scarf with a trench-coat and gloves - Casper gave me a funny look as he tapped to his own neck, I simply mouthed him a short reply.

My breath hitched as I leaned forward in my seat, eager but nervous. Maybe it were a surprise party for someone, or someone had free TNT? Tension began to rise and bubble like soup on the stove. I saw Isaac smile ever-so-slightly, if you would have blinked, you would've missed it. What was he hiding? His purple eyes darted towards me as I abruptly turned my head back towards Cat, who continued, "The first rule is that we are making a system. You now can have allies and enemies, if you so choose. Everyone can have allies, but the other person has to agree." A few hushed murmurs spread through the crowd like a wildfire as Cat waited for silence; a few faces lit up at the idea of official allies, but their happy expressions quickly fell, "You all have to go."