Firefly, Firefly, How Brightly You Burn

[two red eyes blink in the distance]

They didn't seem threatening, they were just trying to sniff him]

You like it, wolfy? It’s for a doll.

They approved]

A very good wolf.

Awww you like pets? Are you all cozy buddy? All cozied up? That’s because you’re the best wolfy there ever was! That’s right! Just the best one ever!

You don’t understand a word I’m saying, but that’s okay. I’m very quiet so I’m hard to understand a lot of the time anyway. It’s because my throat doesn’t work right. It got all set on fire and now I can’t talk very loudly. But that’s okay because you’re a wolf and wolves don’t need to know people words. Just wolfy words.

Maybe he did know people words]

Come to think of it, where’s the rest of your pack, buddy? Usually wolves aren’t on their own.

Come to think of it now, he was smaller then a normal wolf, and their eyes were unnaturally red]

What would you do if you could be a people, wolfy? Opposable thumbs are pretty nice to have. You might like them.

If Ray had researched a bit into wolves, he'd know that wolves rarely bark, and they only did to warn others of danger, not in a relaxed setting like this]

You know you’re very friendly for a wild wolf. Are you sure you aren’t somebody else’s? They might be looking for you. I would if I had lost my very friendly wolf. Do you have a people, wolfy?

Plus, they were shaking their head "no" kind of like a human]

Hold on do you actually know what I’m saying?

Oh that is embarrassing I am so sorry.

Ohhhh my gosh and you let me just say all that? Fucking hell, wolfy. You know what I bet you do have an actual name, but I’m not even going to ask it. For letting me say all that, your name is Wolfy now.

Not the worst thing people call me.

If I can’t see you I can’t be embarrassed.

...I don't quite think that's how it works, but go for it.

Alright, what’s your actual name, then?

And I assume your name is Ray?

So what, you do this often then? Trick people into thinking you’re regular wolf and then get babytalked for twenty minutes just to pull the “surprise! I’m some random guy in the woods and you sound like an idiot” card and make a fool of em?

Sometimes people don't even learn I'm human.

[He stands up, wincing briefly, and tries to look tall. He is taller than Alex, but not by much. And his glasses are askew]

But do you want to fight me right now?

[He takes off the fingerless gloves he’s wearing to reveal hands covered in burn scars. He rolls a marble between his hands and starts to melt and warp it]

We were in peace before this, what changed? Why do you want to attack me now?

[He sighs, realizing he’s talking himself in circles]

But I'd rather not have you be causing a forest fire to prove your strength.

[Despite his argumentativeness, he’s beaming, clearly enjoying himself. Seems he does not do a lot of talking to people]

[he seemed genuinely intrigued]

And then, just like out of fuckin nowhere, apparently The Flame decided it was burn your beloved son alive day. And they did it! Said “oh son, it’s time for you to be baptized, we’re so excited we’re gonna throw a big party and it’ll be a great day for everybody and we’ll all be so happy.” And then they burned me alive and just fuckin left! Because of a candle! Literally my death could have been decided by someone coughing in the other room!

[he wanted to track them down, and teach them a lesson]

Mum, Dad, this is Alex and we’re in agreement that the Flame is fucking stupid.

I was going to kill them anyway, this makes it way easier for me.

You do know we just met, right? And you were planning to kill them for me?

They seem like assholes. Plus, the hunt would get off my ass more if I killed them.

Wait, you do stuff with glass?

Yeah, all sorts. I make little figures sometimes, or eyes for dolls, stuff like that.

Also, have you ever made small desktop sculptures?

I have stuff to trade.

Look, it’s you!

What would you want in exchange for that?

I have knives too, if you want them.

Or- or any rotary cutters??

Because this doesn't seem like enough.

Can you also make me a few small human figures, a bigger figure that you can put on a desk of a bloodhound, and one of the same size as a wolf please?

I can get you some thread too if you want.

Whenever you have time to?

I can have them to you in a day!

That's quick.

Anything I could do to help you get the glass?

[two red eyes blink in the distance]

They didn't seem threatening, they were just trying to sniff him]

You like it, wolfy? It’s for a doll.

They approved]

A very good wolf.

Awww you like pets? Are you all cozy buddy? All cozied up? That’s because you’re the best wolfy there ever was! That’s right! Just the best one ever!

You don’t understand a word I’m saying, but that’s okay. I’m very quiet so I’m hard to understand a lot of the time anyway. It’s because my throat doesn’t work right. It got all set on fire and now I can’t talk very loudly. But that’s okay because you’re a wolf and wolves don’t need to know people words. Just wolfy words.

Maybe he did know people words]

Come to think of it, where’s the rest of your pack, buddy? Usually wolves aren’t on their own.

Come to think of it now, he was smaller then a normal wolf, and their eyes were unnaturally red]

What would you do if you could be a people, wolfy? Opposable thumbs are pretty nice to have. You might like them.

If Ray had researched a bit into wolves, he'd know that wolves rarely bark, and they only did to warn others of danger, not in a relaxed setting like this]

You know you’re very friendly for a wild wolf. Are you sure you aren’t somebody else’s? They might be looking for you. I would if I had lost my very friendly wolf. Do you have a people, wolfy?

Plus, they were shaking their head "no" kind of like a human]

Hold on do you actually know what I’m saying?

Oh that is embarrassing I am so sorry.

Ohhhh my gosh and you let me just say all that? Fucking hell, wolfy. You know what I bet you do have an actual name, but I’m not even going to ask it. For letting me say all that, your name is Wolfy now.

Not the worst thing people call me.

If I can’t see you I can’t be embarrassed.

...I don't quite think that's how it works, but go for it.

Alright, what’s your actual name, then?

And I assume your name is Ray?

So what, you do this often then? Trick people into thinking you’re regular wolf and then get babytalked for twenty minutes just to pull the “surprise! I’m some random guy in the woods and you sound like an idiot” card and make a fool of em?

Sometimes people don't even learn I'm human.

[He stands up, wincing briefly, and tries to look tall. He is taller than Alex, but not by much. And his glasses are askew]

But do you want to fight me right now?

[He takes off the fingerless gloves he’s wearing to reveal hands covered in burn scars. He rolls a marble between his hands and starts to melt and warp it]

We were in peace before this, what changed? Why do you want to attack me now?

[He sighs, realizing he’s talking himself in circles]

But I'd rather not have you be causing a forest fire to prove your strength.

[Despite his argumentativeness, he’s beaming, clearly enjoying himself. Seems he does not do a lot of talking to people]

[he seemed genuinely intrigued]

And then, just like out of fuckin nowhere, apparently The Flame decided it was burn your beloved son alive day. And they did it! Said “oh son, it’s time for you to be baptized, we’re so excited we’re gonna throw a big party and it’ll be a great day for everybody and we’ll all be so happy.” And then they burned me alive and just fuckin left! Because of a candle! Literally my death could have been decided by someone coughing in the other room!

[he wanted to track them down, and teach them a lesson]

Mum, Dad, this is Alex and we’re in agreement that the Flame is fucking stupid.

I was going to kill them anyway, this makes it way easier for me.

You do know we just met, right? And you were planning to kill them for me?

They seem like assholes. Plus, the hunt would get off my ass more if I killed them.

Wait, you do stuff with glass?

Yeah, all sorts. I make little figures sometimes, or eyes for dolls, stuff like that.

Also, have you ever made small desktop sculptures?

I have stuff to trade.

Look, it’s you!

What would you want in exchange for that?

I have knives too, if you want them.

Or- or any rotary cutters??

Because this doesn't seem like enough.

Can you also make me a few small human figures, a bigger figure that you can put on a desk of a bloodhound, and one of the same size as a wolf please?

I can get you some thread too if you want.

Whenever you have time to?

I can have them to you in a day!

That's quick.

[two red eyes blink in the distance]

They didn't seem threatening, they were just trying to sniff him]

You like it, wolfy? It’s for a doll.

They approved]

A very good wolf.

Awww you like pets? Are you all cozy buddy? All cozied up? That’s because you’re the best wolfy there ever was! That’s right! Just the best one ever!

You don’t understand a word I’m saying, but that’s okay. I’m very quiet so I’m hard to understand a lot of the time anyway. It’s because my throat doesn’t work right. It got all set on fire and now I can’t talk very loudly. But that’s okay because you’re a wolf and wolves don’t need to know people words. Just wolfy words.

Maybe he did know people words]

Come to think of it, where’s the rest of your pack, buddy? Usually wolves aren’t on their own.

Come to think of it now, he was smaller then a normal wolf, and their eyes were unnaturally red]

What would you do if you could be a people, wolfy? Opposable thumbs are pretty nice to have. You might like them.

If Ray had researched a bit into wolves, he'd know that wolves rarely bark, and they only did to warn others of danger, not in a relaxed setting like this]

You know you’re very friendly for a wild wolf. Are you sure you aren’t somebody else’s? They might be looking for you. I would if I had lost my very friendly wolf. Do you have a people, wolfy?

Plus, they were shaking their head "no" kind of like a human]

Hold on do you actually know what I’m saying?

Oh that is embarrassing I am so sorry.

Ohhhh my gosh and you let me just say all that? Fucking hell, wolfy. You know what I bet you do have an actual name, but I’m not even going to ask it. For letting me say all that, your name is Wolfy now.

Not the worst thing people call me.

If I can’t see you I can’t be embarrassed.

...I don't quite think that's how it works, but go for it.

Alright, what’s your actual name, then?

And I assume your name is Ray?

So what, you do this often then? Trick people into thinking you’re regular wolf and then get babytalked for twenty minutes just to pull the “surprise! I’m some random guy in the woods and you sound like an idiot” card and make a fool of em?

Sometimes people don't even learn I'm human.

[He stands up, wincing briefly, and tries to look tall. He is taller than Alex, but not by much. And his glasses are askew]

But do you want to fight me right now?

[He takes off the fingerless gloves he’s wearing to reveal hands covered in burn scars. He rolls a marble between his hands and starts to melt and warp it]

We were in peace before this, what changed? Why do you want to attack me now?

[He sighs, realizing he’s talking himself in circles]

But I'd rather not have you be causing a forest fire to prove your strength.

[Despite his argumentativeness, he’s beaming, clearly enjoying himself. Seems he does not do a lot of talking to people]

[he seemed genuinely intrigued]

And then, just like out of fuckin nowhere, apparently The Flame decided it was burn your beloved son alive day. And they did it! Said “oh son, it’s time for you to be baptized, we’re so excited we’re gonna throw a big party and it’ll be a great day for everybody and we’ll all be so happy.” And then they burned me alive and just fuckin left! Because of a candle! Literally my death could have been decided by someone coughing in the other room!

[he wanted to track them down, and teach them a lesson]

Mum, Dad, this is Alex and we’re in agreement that the Flame is fucking stupid.

I was going to kill them anyway, this makes it way easier for me.

You do know we just met, right? And you were planning to kill them for me?

They seem like assholes. Plus, the hunt would get off my ass more if I killed them.

Wait, you do stuff with glass?

Yeah, all sorts. I make little figures sometimes, or eyes for dolls, stuff like that.

Also, have you ever made small desktop sculptures?

I have stuff to trade.

Look, it’s you!

What would you want in exchange for that?

I have knives too, if you want them.

Or- or any rotary cutters??

Because this doesn't seem like enough.

Can you also make me a few small human figures, a bigger figure that you can put on a desk of a bloodhound, and one of the same size as a wolf please?

I can get you some thread too if you want.

Whenever you have time to?

I can have them to you in a day!

[two red eyes blink in the distance]

They didn't seem threatening, they were just trying to sniff him]

You like it, wolfy? It’s for a doll.

They approved]

A very good wolf.

Awww you like pets? Are you all cozy buddy? All cozied up? That’s because you’re the best wolfy there ever was! That’s right! Just the best one ever!

You don’t understand a word I’m saying, but that’s okay. I’m very quiet so I’m hard to understand a lot of the time anyway. It’s because my throat doesn’t work right. It got all set on fire and now I can’t talk very loudly. But that’s okay because you’re a wolf and wolves don’t need to know people words. Just wolfy words.

Maybe he did know people words]

Come to think of it, where’s the rest of your pack, buddy? Usually wolves aren’t on their own.

Come to think of it now, he was smaller then a normal wolf, and their eyes were unnaturally red]

What would you do if you could be a people, wolfy? Opposable thumbs are pretty nice to have. You might like them.

If Ray had researched a bit into wolves, he'd know that wolves rarely bark, and they only did to warn others of danger, not in a relaxed setting like this]

You know you’re very friendly for a wild wolf. Are you sure you aren’t somebody else’s? They might be looking for you. I would if I had lost my very friendly wolf. Do you have a people, wolfy?

Plus, they were shaking their head "no" kind of like a human]

Hold on do you actually know what I’m saying?

Oh that is embarrassing I am so sorry.

Ohhhh my gosh and you let me just say all that? Fucking hell, wolfy. You know what I bet you do have an actual name, but I’m not even going to ask it. For letting me say all that, your name is Wolfy now.

Not the worst thing people call me.

If I can’t see you I can’t be embarrassed.

...I don't quite think that's how it works, but go for it.

Alright, what’s your actual name, then?

And I assume your name is Ray?

So what, you do this often then? Trick people into thinking you’re regular wolf and then get babytalked for twenty minutes just to pull the “surprise! I’m some random guy in the woods and you sound like an idiot” card and make a fool of em?

Sometimes people don't even learn I'm human.

[He stands up, wincing briefly, and tries to look tall. He is taller than Alex, but not by much. And his glasses are askew]

But do you want to fight me right now?

[He takes off the fingerless gloves he’s wearing to reveal hands covered in burn scars. He rolls a marble between his hands and starts to melt and warp it]

We were in peace before this, what changed? Why do you want to attack me now?

[He sighs, realizing he’s talking himself in circles]

But I'd rather not have you be causing a forest fire to prove your strength.

[Despite his argumentativeness, he’s beaming, clearly enjoying himself. Seems he does not do a lot of talking to people]

[he seemed genuinely intrigued]

And then, just like out of fuckin nowhere, apparently The Flame decided it was burn your beloved son alive day. And they did it! Said “oh son, it’s time for you to be baptized, we’re so excited we’re gonna throw a big party and it’ll be a great day for everybody and we’ll all be so happy.” And then they burned me alive and just fuckin left! Because of a candle! Literally my death could have been decided by someone coughing in the other room!

[he wanted to track them down, and teach them a lesson]

Mum, Dad, this is Alex and we’re in agreement that the Flame is fucking stupid.

I was going to kill them anyway, this makes it way easier for me.

You do know we just met, right? And you were planning to kill them for me?

They seem like assholes. Plus, the hunt would get off my ass more if I killed them.

Wait, you do stuff with glass?

Yeah, all sorts. I make little figures sometimes, or eyes for dolls, stuff like that.

Also, have you ever made small desktop sculptures?

I have stuff to trade.

Look, it’s you!

What would you want in exchange for that?

I have knives too, if you want them.

Or- or any rotary cutters??

Because this doesn't seem like enough.

Can you also make me a few small human figures, a bigger figure that you can put on a desk of a bloodhound, and one of the same size as a wolf please?

I can get you some thread too if you want.

[two red eyes blink in the distance]

They didn't seem threatening, they were just trying to sniff him]

You like it, wolfy? It’s for a doll.

They approved]

A very good wolf.

Awww you like pets? Are you all cozy buddy? All cozied up? That’s because you’re the best wolfy there ever was! That’s right! Just the best one ever!

You don’t understand a word I’m saying, but that’s okay. I’m very quiet so I’m hard to understand a lot of the time anyway. It’s because my throat doesn’t work right. It got all set on fire and now I can’t talk very loudly. But that’s okay because you’re a wolf and wolves don’t need to know people words. Just wolfy words.

Maybe he did know people words]

Come to think of it, where’s the rest of your pack, buddy? Usually wolves aren’t on their own.

Come to think of it now, he was smaller then a normal wolf, and their eyes were unnaturally red]

What would you do if you could be a people, wolfy? Opposable thumbs are pretty nice to have. You might like them.

If Ray had researched a bit into wolves, he'd know that wolves rarely bark, and they only did to warn others of danger, not in a relaxed setting like this]

You know you’re very friendly for a wild wolf. Are you sure you aren’t somebody else’s? They might be looking for you. I would if I had lost my very friendly wolf. Do you have a people, wolfy?

Plus, they were shaking their head "no" kind of like a human]

Hold on do you actually know what I’m saying?

Oh that is embarrassing I am so sorry.

Ohhhh my gosh and you let me just say all that? Fucking hell, wolfy. You know what I bet you do have an actual name, but I’m not even going to ask it. For letting me say all that, your name is Wolfy now.

Not the worst thing people call me.

If I can’t see you I can’t be embarrassed.

...I don't quite think that's how it works, but go for it.

Alright, what’s your actual name, then?

And I assume your name is Ray?

So what, you do this often then? Trick people into thinking you’re regular wolf and then get babytalked for twenty minutes just to pull the “surprise! I’m some random guy in the woods and you sound like an idiot” card and make a fool of em?

Sometimes people don't even learn I'm human.

[He stands up, wincing briefly, and tries to look tall. He is taller than Alex, but not by much. And his glasses are askew]

But do you want to fight me right now?

[He takes off the fingerless gloves he’s wearing to reveal hands covered in burn scars. He rolls a marble between his hands and starts to melt and warp it]

We were in peace before this, what changed? Why do you want to attack me now?

[He sighs, realizing he’s talking himself in circles]

But I'd rather not have you be causing a forest fire to prove your strength.

[Despite his argumentativeness, he’s beaming, clearly enjoying himself. Seems he does not do a lot of talking to people]

[he seemed genuinely intrigued]

And then, just like out of fuckin nowhere, apparently The Flame decided it was burn your beloved son alive day. And they did it! Said “oh son, it’s time for you to be baptized, we’re so excited we’re gonna throw a big party and it’ll be a great day for everybody and we’ll all be so happy.” And then they burned me alive and just fuckin left! Because of a candle! Literally my death could have been decided by someone coughing in the other room!

[he wanted to track them down, and teach them a lesson]

Mum, Dad, this is Alex and we’re in agreement that the Flame is fucking stupid.

I was going to kill them anyway, this makes it way easier for me.

You do know we just met, right? And you were planning to kill them for me?

They seem like assholes. Plus, the hunt would get off my ass more if I killed them.

Wait, you do stuff with glass?

Yeah, all sorts. I make little figures sometimes, or eyes for dolls, stuff like that.

Also, have you ever made small desktop sculptures?

I have stuff to trade.

Look, it’s you!

What would you want in exchange for that?

I have knives too, if you want them.

Or- or any rotary cutters??

Because this doesn't seem like enough.

Can you also make me a few small human figures, a bigger figure that you can put on a desk of a bloodhound, and one of the same size as a wolf please?

[two red eyes blink in the distance]

They didn't seem threatening, they were just trying to sniff him]

You like it, wolfy? It’s for a doll.

They approved]

A very good wolf.

Awww you like pets? Are you all cozy buddy? All cozied up? That’s because you’re the best wolfy there ever was! That’s right! Just the best one ever!

You don’t understand a word I’m saying, but that’s okay. I’m very quiet so I’m hard to understand a lot of the time anyway. It’s because my throat doesn’t work right. It got all set on fire and now I can’t talk very loudly. But that’s okay because you’re a wolf and wolves don’t need to know people words. Just wolfy words.

Maybe he did know people words]

Come to think of it, where’s the rest of your pack, buddy? Usually wolves aren’t on their own.

Come to think of it now, he was smaller then a normal wolf, and their eyes were unnaturally red]

What would you do if you could be a people, wolfy? Opposable thumbs are pretty nice to have. You might like them.

If Ray had researched a bit into wolves, he'd know that wolves rarely bark, and they only did to warn others of danger, not in a relaxed setting like this]

You know you’re very friendly for a wild wolf. Are you sure you aren’t somebody else’s? They might be looking for you. I would if I had lost my very friendly wolf. Do you have a people, wolfy?

Plus, they were shaking their head "no" kind of like a human]

Hold on do you actually know what I’m saying?

Oh that is embarrassing I am so sorry.

Ohhhh my gosh and you let me just say all that? Fucking hell, wolfy. You know what I bet you do have an actual name, but I’m not even going to ask it. For letting me say all that, your name is Wolfy now.

Not the worst thing people call me.

If I can’t see you I can’t be embarrassed.

...I don't quite think that's how it works, but go for it.

Alright, what’s your actual name, then?

And I assume your name is Ray?

So what, you do this often then? Trick people into thinking you’re regular wolf and then get babytalked for twenty minutes just to pull the “surprise! I’m some random guy in the woods and you sound like an idiot” card and make a fool of em?

Sometimes people don't even learn I'm human.

[He stands up, wincing briefly, and tries to look tall. He is taller than Alex, but not by much. And his glasses are askew]

But do you want to fight me right now?

[He takes off the fingerless gloves he’s wearing to reveal hands covered in burn scars. He rolls a marble between his hands and starts to melt and warp it]

We were in peace before this, what changed? Why do you want to attack me now?

[He sighs, realizing he’s talking himself in circles]

But I'd rather not have you be causing a forest fire to prove your strength.

[Despite his argumentativeness, he’s beaming, clearly enjoying himself. Seems he does not do a lot of talking to people]

[he seemed genuinely intrigued]

And then, just like out of fuckin nowhere, apparently The Flame decided it was burn your beloved son alive day. And they did it! Said “oh son, it’s time for you to be baptized, we’re so excited we’re gonna throw a big party and it’ll be a great day for everybody and we’ll all be so happy.” And then they burned me alive and just fuckin left! Because of a candle! Literally my death could have been decided by someone coughing in the other room!

[he wanted to track them down, and teach them a lesson]

Mum, Dad, this is Alex and we’re in agreement that the Flame is fucking stupid.

I was going to kill them anyway, this makes it way easier for me.

You do know we just met, right? And you were planning to kill them for me?

They seem like assholes. Plus, the hunt would get off my ass more if I killed them.

Wait, you do stuff with glass?

Yeah, all sorts. I make little figures sometimes, or eyes for dolls, stuff like that.

Also, have you ever made small desktop sculptures?

I have stuff to trade.

Look, it’s you!

What would you want in exchange for that?

I have knives too, if you want them.

Or- or any rotary cutters??

Because this doesn't seem like enough.

[two red eyes blink in the distance]

They didn't seem threatening, they were just trying to sniff him]

You like it, wolfy? It’s for a doll.

They approved]

A very good wolf.

Awww you like pets? Are you all cozy buddy? All cozied up? That’s because you’re the best wolfy there ever was! That’s right! Just the best one ever!

You don’t understand a word I’m saying, but that’s okay. I’m very quiet so I’m hard to understand a lot of the time anyway. It’s because my throat doesn’t work right. It got all set on fire and now I can’t talk very loudly. But that’s okay because you’re a wolf and wolves don’t need to know people words. Just wolfy words.

Maybe he did know people words]

Come to think of it, where’s the rest of your pack, buddy? Usually wolves aren’t on their own.

Come to think of it now, he was smaller then a normal wolf, and their eyes were unnaturally red]

What would you do if you could be a people, wolfy? Opposable thumbs are pretty nice to have. You might like them.

If Ray had researched a bit into wolves, he'd know that wolves rarely bark, and they only did to warn others of danger, not in a relaxed setting like this]

You know you’re very friendly for a wild wolf. Are you sure you aren’t somebody else’s? They might be looking for you. I would if I had lost my very friendly wolf. Do you have a people, wolfy?

Plus, they were shaking their head "no" kind of like a human]

Hold on do you actually know what I’m saying?

Oh that is embarrassing I am so sorry.

Ohhhh my gosh and you let me just say all that? Fucking hell, wolfy. You know what I bet you do have an actual name, but I’m not even going to ask it. For letting me say all that, your name is Wolfy now.

Not the worst thing people call me.

If I can’t see you I can’t be embarrassed.

...I don't quite think that's how it works, but go for it.

Alright, what’s your actual name, then?