Gonna Need a Montage [FIN]

[carcinoGeneticist]

Watch her closely he did, and he did see the signs that spoke clearly in regards to her anxiety. He was glad to see that she wasn't reduced to a cowering mass, but still. What in the name of the White Rabbit was she so afraid of? Vikenti stood, and began to pace.

"I'm not a young Rabbit by any stretch, my dear. I've sired many children, though Aleah is the first male.[/b]" he glanced over his bookshelf, amber eyes narrowing as he turned to give the Doe a glance. Then he began to walk again, his steps bringing him closer to her. "Most Jacks would have felt fury over this, but I saw only potential. I will be frank with you and tell you that I wish - very much - for my weak little child to survive in the world and carry on the legacy of my family. When you first arrived, I told you what I expected from you. From all accounts, you and Aleah have gotten along absolutely swimmingly.[/b]"

He was now standing at her side, and he looked down at her. He reached out, resting a finger under her chin, inclining her face to meet his gaze. Beautiful, so beautiful, but that terror...

"Now you've accomplished that goal, though it's before him, and all I see is terror. Tell me, sweet lady, is it me that you fear?[/b]"

[The Jenn]

Valeny didn't flinch when he gently raised her chin. She saw the hand coming and very deliberately, very determinedly didn't flinch. She just inclined her head upward, meeting his gaze despite the cries of protest in her head, the calm part of her mind soothing the rest that this was a Highland Doe reacting gracefully to her Jack. She'd seen it in play before, this dance between the leader and his lady, and she just needed to follow the steps until the act was through and it was time for intermission.

Then she could break down. But not before.

Her eyes continued to look 'off', but they were no longer a hotbed of terror. Just a quiet, steady fear. What should she say? What could she say to that?

"I don't think I expected everything to change so soon, sir," she replied, holding onto the words like a lifeline. "It isn't you." It could have been anyone, any Jack. Him, one of his visitors... Aleah, Hills preserve her, when he finally achieved the rank... anyone would have received this reaction from her.

But she couldn't tell him that. Couldn't tell him that she'd quietly hoped, despite his stated intentions for her, that nothing would change. That she could continue to be a contented Leveret in his lovely warren, and that she'd never have to face the prospect of being a Doe.