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Post by Nyte on Apr 6, 2021 21:41:17 GMT -5
Willow looked from one woman to the next and gave a bit of a defeated sigh. It seemed she was the only one who was a little out of the loop when it came to Armin. He was still a bit of a mystery to her, regardless of how she felt about him, and these two knew him so well. It made sense of course but didn't make it any less frustrating.
As Rose got up to leave Willow smiled and waved goodbye though when she turned around to face Kai once more she paused underneath the intense stare the lycan bore into her. "Kind of?" She told her. "He was standing.." She put her hand out in front of her, her palm facing her body and gave a rough estimate on how close Armin had been. It wasn't until she measured it out that she realized that he had practically been pressed up against her at the time Rhett had interrupted.
"I'm not sure that getting drunk will really give me more courage." She stated with a giggle but accepted the glass anyway. At the very least it might make her feel less anxious. Hearing that there would be others vying for Armin's attention was a little intimidating but when Kai called him lovestruck she couldn't help but giggle. "He did ask me to accompany him to the celebration.. as a date." Admitting that made Willow blush once more. "If this dress is suited for the celebration I don't see why not. It's comfortable and Armin seemed to like it."
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 6, 2021 21:58:09 GMT -5
Kai’s grin only seemed to widen as she looked to Willow. “Well that certainly is a start.” She grinned as Willow had shown her how close the two had been. When Willow spoke that he’d asked for her to go to the celebration as a date Kai smirked. “Well, that’s more than a start then.” She giggled. “I think your dress should do you well. It’ll be more fun to dance in.” She winked slightly and smirked once again. “Let’s go relax in the arboretum.” She spoke as she stepped from the room. Kai walked down the long hallway and into the botanical garden. She took a seat in a chair and let out a long contented sigh. “Tomorrow night is the hunt.” She spoke as she drew in a breath. “I’m sure Armin will stay here with you.” She nodded. It seemed Kai was thinking deeply as she gazed to the beautiful flowers.
**
A few hours passed and Rose came down from upstairs with her beautiful gown, her hair was done beautifully with curls in her locks. She’d done her make-up perfectly. “Are you two ready?” She smiled as she walked into the foyer.
Kai had changed into a beautiful black dress that had red accents. The crystal of her eyes seemed to pop against the shadowy eyeshadow pallet that she’d chosen. “Of course.” She glanced to Willow. “Are you ready darling Willow?” She linked arms with her and the three walked from the home.
“Tonight is supposed to be rather exhilarating.” Rose spoke as she looked to the two. “Rhett has been working on this for weeks. The celebration should be even more grand that last year.”
Kai grinned and tightened her grip upon Willow’s arm and smirked. “It will be perfect.” She nodded to Willow.
Soon enough they entered the city square and the sound of music could be heard from the main hall. Kai led Willow inside, “Now don’t forget, to be brave.” She winked to her.
The hall was filled with both humans and lycans. Many were drinking, some were dancing. “Willow.” Armin spoke as he walked forward, it was clear that he had, had a few drinks by this point. “You look lovely.” He smiled as he held a glass of wine forward to her. “It’s sweet. Just like you like, hm?” He gazed to his sister a moment.
Kai chuckled to herself, “Don’t have too much fun you two.” She spoke as she walked up the winding staircase where she overlooked the hall below. This was her usual spot. Kai enjoyed watching the people below.
Armin smiled to Willow, “There is food if you would like…” He spoke as he looked to the buffet of food that had been put together carefully for the event. “Ah.” He reached up and grabbed a glass of whiskey as a waiter walked by. “This.” He lifted it to his lips and sipped from it. He chuckled lightly. “Tonight is all about celebrating the harvest of the year.” He grinned and then gazed to the room. “I um…am sorry that I had to leave earlier…” He looked back to her with his brows furrowed slightly.
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Post by Nyte on Apr 6, 2021 22:18:06 GMT -5
While the pair waited for the celebration to start Willow continued to sip on the wine and chat with Kai. She found herself loosing up quite a bit as time wore on and even as Rose came down to grab them she smiled brightly at the woman and eagerly joined them as they walked arm-in-arm into the town. "I'm sure it'll be great." Willow commented when Rose spoke of Rhett's dedication towards getting everything ready.
As they entered the hall and Willow heard the lively music she continued to smile and glanced around at the garland, streamers and lights that decorated the hall. She could tell a lot of effort and time went into the preparation and the smell of food was absolutely divine. With all the people around she was sure that there was going to be quite a bit of entertainment and fun. Something she hadn't really gotten to enjoy in the past and was very much looking forward to it.
When Armin finally made his way over to them her smile only brightened as he offered her the glass of wine. "Yes, thank you." She had already drank quite a bit herself but she was still feeling really good. As Kai took her leave Willow looked after her for a moment and gave a small wave before Armin pulled her attention back to him once more.
"Don't apologize. Besides we have the rest of the evening!" She told him and reached up to caress his cheek gently. "We're supposed to be having fun, right?" She asked and sipped her own glass he had handed her.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 6, 2021 22:48:07 GMT -5
Armin’s brows rose, Willow was much more forward than he was used to. He grinned as he gazed down to her. “This is true. Yes.” He placed his hand over hers a moment and then kissed the back of her hand before he led her into the hall. The sounds of the violins playing the intricate muscle perfectly to tempo caused him to sway his head slightly as he enjoyed the tune. He gazed to the people around them and grinned as he finished his drink off and handed it to a passing waiter. He nodded his head to a few that nodded to him, a few said hello. “A dance then.” He spoke as he turned to Willow a smile upon his lips. He took her hand into his and he led her onto the dance floor. Armin turned to her with a warm smile upon his lips. He glanced and his eyes met those of a lycan whom gazed to him in fascination, curious as to why he was dancing with a mere human it seemed.
He drew in a breath as he took her glass and handed it off to a waiter before he placed his hand upon her hip. “Just follow my lead.” He gave a smirk, “I will keep you in line.” He pulled her in close and took her hand as the dance began. “I promise not to step on your feet.” He chuckled lightly. “You see, I’ve had plenty of practice over the years.” The music started to which Armin pulled Willow quite close to his body as they swayed about. His crystal hues were trained in on her all the while, a smile upon his lips. The sounds of those chattering and enjoying the evening around them seemed to disappear to Armin as he focused entirely upon Willow.
As the music continued it ebbed and flowed with its tempo. He led Willow into a spin out from his body that caused plenty of eyes to look to the two. It was a flashy move and as he brought her back in he swiftly dropped her into a low dip. His eyes gazed to her and a smirk curved up his lips as he once again pulled her close to his body. Armin hummed along to the music lightly as he spun her so that her back was against his chest and they waltzed to the side before he once again spun her as the song came to an end. He chuckled as he gazed into her eyes, he was only inches from her. “That…was fun.” He smiled to her, “We will have to do that again.”
There was a clinking of a glass and the music came to a stop as everyone turned their attention to Rhett and Rose whom stood up on the balcony overlooking the room. “Good evening ladies and gentlemen.” Rhett spoke as a silence fell over the room like a thick blanket. “I do hope that you will enjoy yourself this evening. It is with great honor that I host this Harvest Festival Celebration. Our harvest looks to be the best that it has been in many years. We owe our thanks to our local craftsmen as farmers.” There was a cheer and clapping from the audience. “Now please, eat, drink….dance…” He raised his glass.
Kai stood several feet away from her older brother, she held a glass of wine in her hands as she gazed to him, a soft smile upon her lips. It was the same every year to her. The dance. Choose a human for the hunt. Hunt the next night. Wash. Rinse. Repeat. She took a long drink from her wine before she set it upon a try to be taken back to the kitchens. Kai walked down the winding staircase, her fingertips trailed along the beautiful mahogany wood. She looked out over the crowd of people. Soon enough as she reached the bottom of the stairs a lycan approached her. He offered his hand forward. He was a strapping young man with dark short cut hair and chestnut eyes. “Kai.” He spoke as he took her hand and kissed the back of it. “You look stunning.” He grinned as he eyed her.
Kai raised a brow slightly. “Julian, do you think I have forgotten last year?” She questioned, a smirk upon her lips. The young lycan had a bit of fear in his eyes as Kai seemed to challenge him. He stammered and failed to get words from his mouth. Kai giggled as she stepped closer to him. Her crystal hues gazed up into his, “Let’s try again, shall we?” She cupped his cheek before she took his hand and led him to the dance floor. She twirled about with him; it was evident that Kai was much more sophisticated in her dance than the young lycan whom sought to win her heart. She giggled soon enough as they came to the end of the dance. “Better….” She smirked to him before she leaned up and kissed his cheek. “At least you didn’t drop me this year.” She spoke as she gazed into his eyes, he shied away slightly. She giggled once again, her hand upon his chest. “Don’t worry Julian, I’m sure no one else remembers.” She winked to him before she walked away through the crowd.
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Post by Nyte on Apr 7, 2021 16:05:49 GMT -5
Every time Armin smiled at her Willow felt her knees grow weak. Even with the handful of glasses of wine she had drank no amount of liquid courage could change the way her heart beat wildly around the man. It only got worse as she giggled when he kissed the back of her hand. Then as he lead her further into the hall she glanced around briefly to the other villagers and lycans enjoying the celebration. It was impossible to know which were human and which were not as they blended together so well. Everyone had a smile on their faces and laughter was common place as they shared jokes and stories from over the year. However, her attention was quickly pulled away once more as Armin took her hand.
Dancing was something she had been taught but never got to practice much. So she felt a flutter of nervousness as he pulled her out to the dance floor and placed his other hand upon her hip. When he promised not to step on her feet she giggled again and nodded. "I'll try to do the same." She told him as they began their sway across the dance floor.
Willow wasn't familiar with the music but with Armin leading she easily kept the tempo and their movements complimented each other perfectly. Her eyes hardly ever left his and she even forgot to worry about the whispers and glances from others around them. She even forgot about her past a servant. In that moment she simply enjoyed Armin's company and the way he looked at her, touched her and how they danced together. Even through the spins and dips she didn't feel the slightest bit nervous.
When the song ended she smiled up at him, her eyes glancing to his lips for a brief moment, before she went to speak. However the sound of the glass quickly called her attention away once more and she let the words slip from her mind as she glanced up to the balcony where Rhett and Rose stood against the banister. After his short speech, she joined in the round of applause with a bit of her own soft clapping and cast another glance up to Armin. "Another dance?" She asked with a hopeful expression.
As Kai ended her dance with the young lycan a tall broad man watched from the edge of the room. He wore a long dress coat with a white shirt underneath and black pants. As she made her way through the crowd he pushed himself off the wall and made his way towards the woman. As he stepped up to her he gave her a charming smile and a short bow. "Good evening, fair lady." He greeted her as his dark hair moved forward and into his eyes a bit from his bow. "May I have the pleasure of the next dance?" He asked and offered her his hand.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 7, 2021 20:19:12 GMT -5
Armin shared the gaze with Willow before his brother had spoken to the crowd of humans and lycans. He too clapped to his brothers words. A grin curved up his lips as he heard Willow ask for another dance. “I never thought you’d ask.” He winked to her as he took her hand and bowed deeply. “M’lady.” He chuckled as he once again pulled her in close to his body. His eyes trained in on her as the music began. “Ah a waltz, how fitting.” He spoke as he led her in the intricate dance. All the while his crystal hues stayed upon her. Once again several in the crowd seemed drawn to the two. Though, Armin didn’t have eyes for anyone else but Willow it seemed. He had a soft smile upon his lips that turned to a grin as the song came to an end and he dipped her toward the floor and pulled her back close in his arms. He smirked slightly to her. “You have a lot of trust in me.” He chuckled lightly. His eyes flicked over her shoulder then as another woman approached. A beautiful woman with a gorgeous red dress. His brows furrowed slightly.
“Armin.” She spoke as she glanced to Willow. She scoffed slightly as she looked to her. “A dance?” She asked as she held her hand out.
Armin’s jaw tightened slightly, “Ah, you must ask my date.” He spoke with a smug smile. “I’m here with her, not you.” His voice was very matter-a-fact. “I don’t believe I’ll be dancing with you this evening. Thank you for the offer though.” He wrapped his arm around Willow’s waist and led her from the crowd. The woman had a shocked expression on her face. She had been chasing after him for a few years now. She was always met with a refusal. Armin didn’t like how she seemed to think that he owed her something. He led Willow to an outside balcony where he turned to her, a smirk upon his lips. He placed his hands on either side of her jaw then, cupping her face gently. He seemed to hesitate a moment before he leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers. After a long moment Armin released her and he took in a breath, his eyes were nearly fully golden now. “Um…” He stuttered slightly. “I hope…that wasn’t too forward…” He bit his lip then as he realized what he had done. The alcohol had made him quite courageous.
**
Kai was busy giggling as she glanced over her shoulder to the defeated Julian. She stopped as her crystal hues fell upon the lycan that stepped out before her, tall dark and handsome. A playful, amused smirk curved up her lips. She was used to the lycan males throwing themselves at her. She had yet to accept a mate and that seemed to cause them quite the distress. “Good evening.” She curtsied with a giggle. “I’m not sure I know your name.” She seemed quite intrigued by this stranger. She knew most everyone there, but then again they had taken on several stragglers and other packs recently. “I would be delighted.” She offered her hand forward to him.
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Post by Nyte on Apr 8, 2021 16:34:16 GMT -5
Willow giggled and gladly took his hand as he pulled her close. As the upbeat music began and he guided her through the motions she found herself laughing and smiling all the while. She was glad he had asked her to accompany him. She would have enjoyed the party by simply attending but getting to dance with Armin made it absolutely magical. When the song came to an end and he dipped her back she giggled once more as she leaned her head back with the motion. It let her get a different perspective of the room for a moment, and she noticed the woman in red staring at her with an almost disgusted appearance. When Armin pulled her back up she smiled nodded. "Of course. You've never given me reason not to trust you." She replied easily. When the woman approached the pair Willow's smile fell slightly as she heard the woman scoff. She hadn't seen this female before but she could tell that the woman was a wolf. The air of confidence alone was enough to make Willow quite certain of herself. As Armin directed the choice of the dance to Willow she glanced up to him with uncertainty, though he didn't really give her much time to respond before he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her away from the dance floor and busy hall. She had been about to ask Armin about the woman when he turned to her and cupped her cheeks in his hands. She felt her cheeks burn as she looked up to him. As he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers she thought her heart would beat out of her chest, but she gladly returned the kiss. When he pulled away she stood stunned for a brief moment, before she heard him speak. A smile crept over her lips once more as she slid her arms around him and pulled him into another, more passionate kiss. She pressed her body against his and for a brief moment she completely forgot about the world around them and the festival happening just inside. In that moment nothing else mattered to her besides the man in her arms. **** Baron Randolf The man smiled as she extended her hand and gently grasped her fingers as he lead her out towards the middle of the dance floor. "My name is Baron." He told her. "New to the area myself and I haven't had time to introduce myself properly. However tales of your beauty do not do you justice." He told her and chuckled as he turned to face her and placed his hand gently upon her hip.
As the tune of a new song started up he lead her into a series of skillful steps and twirls. "This is quite the celebration your family is hosting. I can't remember the last time I saw so many smiling faces." He complimented. |
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 10, 2021 20:56:46 GMT -5
Armin offered a smile to Willow, though her response wasn’t exactly what he had been expecting. When she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into a tight embrace for a more passionate kiss. He didn’t miss a beat. The lycan wrapped his own arms back around her as he lost himself in the moment. After several moments he broke the kiss, an awe stuck grin upon his lips as he gazed to her. “I suppose...it wasn’t...too forward then?” A chuckle came over his lips, he still had his arms wrapped around her. Armin grinned slightly as the silvery moon came from behind the clouds and he gazed to her fae features that came into view. “Beautiful.” He whispered softly. “I...can’t explain it...” His eyes had turned completely honey colored by this moment. He held the cheeky grin upon his face, he couldn’t stop smiling. His eyes looked to her lips a moment before he gazed back into Willow’s eyes once again. “We...should get back to the party...shouldn’t we?” He asked, though he made no effort to release her or move toward the door.
**
“Baron.” Kai mused as she allowed him to lead her out onto the dance floor. Another giggle came over her lips. She’d had quite a bit of wine throughout the day. Buzzed wouldn’t be the proper term. “Not sure I’ve heard of you at all.” She spoked as her crystal hues looked him over, trying to recognize something about him. Though she was distracted then as he complimented her. She lifted her eyes to meet his, “Oh? Tales of my beauty hm?” She questioned as she stepped a bit closer to him as they began the dance. Her hand rest upon his shoulder, her other held onto his that led the dance.
Another compliment? Kai grinned to him, “Oh? The harvest festival? We out do ourselves each year.” She chuckled lightly, a smirk upon her lips before she leaned a bit more against him after a twirl. She was just inches from him then. Another giggle came over her lips then a smirk. “Well, if you’re new here. You will see for yourself, Baron.” She spoke before she twirled again. “And what...if I may ask, brings you here….exactly?” She was close once more as she gazed up into his eyes. “I do hope that my dear brother’s tales of his strong alpha position have brought you, as it has so many others.” She smirked slightly. “Not just the tales of my beauty.” She chuckled lightly as the song came to an end. Kai nodded in approval, “You, managed to keep me on my feet, and you didn’t drop me.” Her hues fell upon Julian whom watched from the edge with a defeated look in his eyes. The two dancing together had caught a bit of attention. “Come, shall we have a drink?” Kai questioned as she grasped his hand and led him from the dance floor.
She grasped a wine. “What is it you’d like to drink?” She asked as she handed him an empty glass. They stood before several different bottles of wines and assorted drinks. Kai waited and once he’d made a decision she walked slowly away, her eyes glanced to him. Her crystal hues played about the lycan a moment, almost as if she was studying him. “Tell me more about yourself.” She spoke, her eyes curious as she took a sip of her wine.
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Post by Nyte on Apr 10, 2021 22:03:05 GMT -5
As Willow kissed Armin she was the happiest she had ever been. Even though she had only known the man a few days she had very quickly developed feelings for him and had been wrestling with the conflict of saying something or keeping it to herself. Having him break the ice, as it were, had instantly dissolved those fears though and she could express how she felt openly. When he broke the kiss she giggled at his response and shook her head. "No, it's not too forward."
As the moon peeked through the clouds and the markings upon her skin came to life once more she felt a small prickling sensation and like she received a second wind after a long day. She had been very relaxed, happy and well rested but the sensation of standing under the moon made her feel alive. "If we're expected to return, then probably yes." She told him and leaned her head against his chest as she continued to hold onto him. "I'm happy as long as I'm with you."
***
Baron chuckled when Kai began to poke and prod at the little information he had been able to convey to her. She was quick witted, a trait he could admire, and feigned a small sigh. "You've already figured me out then haven't you?" He stated with a smirk. "Yes, I have heard more of your alpha's feats and kindness. It is what attracted me to the area in the first place. Though when I heard of you I was greatly intrigued and not disappointed in the slightest." He explained as they made their way over to the bar and each selected their drinks. He settled on a brandy for himself and sipped it with a satisfied smile.
"I am a bit of a rogue I'm afraid. Was born into a pack under.. strained circumstances and finally decided to leave and see if I could make my way somewhere else that wouldn't judge me based off who my parents are and where they came from." He explained. "I suppose I could go with some sort of story that I'm alone and wandering but I figure being open and honest is a better policy here. You'd be able to tell if I were lying anyways." He commented.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 10, 2021 22:21:46 GMT -5
Armin smiled to her response, her giggle caused a smirk to curve up his lips. Any exterior shell that he had held seemed to melt away with her in his arms. He’d never let his guard down so easily before. As she leaned her head against his chest he closed his eyes and hugged her to him. A long breath came from him. “Hm.” He hummed to her comment. “We might be expected to return, yes, it is my family that puts on the ball after all.” He chuckled lightly, though he didn’t move. Her last comment caused him to rest his chin on top of her head. “I’m...glad I was in town when you were.” He spoke his voice soft. “Normally Kai and Rhett would have been in town...and I would have been at home. But circumstances have interesting ways of playing out. Fate...some would like to call it.” He pulled back and brushed a bit of hair from her eyes. “It seems I was meant to find you.” He smirked slightly, “Come on then. Let’s get you something to eat, hm?” He spoke as he slipped his arm around her waist and walked her inside.
Armin gazed about to the dancing and the chattering of people. A smile upon his lips. His eyes gazed down to Willow every now and again to check in on her. “Here we are.” He pulled out a chair for her. “Shall I find you something then?” He spoke before he kissed the back of her hand before he slipped off to grab her a plate of food.
The lycan from before stepped up to the table. Her eyes bore into Willow. “How...are you even keeping his attention?” She questioned. Jealousy clear in her tone. “I’ve tried everything.” She nearly growled. “And you...you’ve swept him right off of his feet. His head is in the clouds.” She didn’t break her eye contact with Willow as she made the comments in a frustrated tone.
**
Kai smirked to his comment, “Oh but of course.” She winked to him. She was quite entertained by this stranger, Baron. “I’m not as naive as you might like to think, you know?” She took a sip from her wine. “I am the Alpha’s little sister after all.” She chuckled lightly. Though his next comment that he had heard of her caught her attention as well. Another smirk curved up Kai’s lips. “Oh? Well then darling I’ll have to try much harder to disappoint won’t I?” She grinned playfully to him. “Are you so easily impressed by a woman?” She’d ran her fingertips along his shoulders as she walked passed him slightly.
Kai’s crystal hues focused in on him as he spoke of his past. She tilted her head slightly. So forward and open. It was odd for a stranger to so quickly divulge information like this. She took a sip from her wine. “Well, our pack is full of many misfits, rogues, runaways, those that were made to believe that they did not belong in their own pack that they were born into.” She took in a breath as she seemed to think a moment. “I’m certain that you’ll find that we do things quite differently than most packs. This festival is certainly one of the most shocking things to some from other packs.” She motioned. “Humans and Lycans. Together.” She giggled and grinned to him. “Most packs wouldn’t dare. But, if you live properly, nobly.” She shrugged slightly. “Life can be achieved. We all aren’t the monster that the books make us out to be. Are we?” She questioned as she gazed up into his eyes a long moment. “Hunters would have you believe otherwise. But, our pack believes that we can live alongside them.” She looked to the crowd once again and took a sip from her wine. “Are you looking to meet my brother? Is that why you sought me out?” She questioned then and offered him a bit of a smirk. She’d had lycans try to use her before to get to her brother. She knew the games quite well. Flattery wasn’t something that would cause Kai to swoon so easily. Amusement was written all over her expression.
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Post by Nyte on Apr 10, 2021 23:00:13 GMT -5
Willow closed her eyes as Armin held her against him. If she never left this spot it would have been too soon. When he mentioned that fateful day in the market when he had literally pulled her out of the grasps of the Silverfang pack she squeezed him just a little bit tighter. "Im just glad fate was on our side that day." She replied and nodded to the mention of food. She hadnt realized it but she was quite hungry. She and Kai hadn't bothered to eat lunch and the last thing she had eaten was the meal he had cooked for them that morning.
Walking through the crowd once more Willow felt the stares of a few people upon them once more. The illusive Armin holding onto her in such a way was surprising everyone it seemed. Though she did her best to simply ignore the looks she found herself blushing softly. When they came to a table and he pulled the seat out for her she gently sat down and looked up at him with a smile. "Thank you." She told him as he went off to collect some food.
As the woman in red approached the table Willow immediately felt discomfort. The intense jealousy coming off the woman was enough to make her squirm in her seat. "I.. I don't know." Willow replied to her question honestly. She couldn't explain the attraction between them either. "He helped me out and we just.." how could she even put this into words?
***
"Im not impressed by much these days, unfortunately." He answered honestly and sipped his brandy once more. "Living alongside humans wasn't something I had really considered. Not that I don't think it can work, it obviously can, just not something I had really thought of. I grew up in a pack that does not associate with humans though so I suppose that's expected." He paused and glanced around to the happy faces and interactions between lycans and humans. Some of them even danced with each other, the humans blissfully unaware of just who they were holding onto in such close proximity.
"I would like to meet your brother.. eventually. When I arrived I was told of this celebration and figured I would wait till tomorrow. Let the alpha relax for once and enjoy himself." He looked back down to Kai and gave a small, charming smile. "I didnt seek you out for that purpose. That's ridiculous. Family or not alphas make their own decisions and trying to earn his sister's favor over a simple dance and a bit to drink in order to gain a more solid footings is a fool's errand." He chuckled. "No, I simply thought I would enjoy the evening in the company of a beautiful woman and hope that she might enjoy my company as well." He gestured back out to the dance floor. "So if you're feeling up for it, M'Lady, I would love to ask for your hand in another dance."
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 10, 2021 23:25:25 GMT -5
The woman scoffed to the response from Willow. “You don’t know?” She shook her head as she leaned forward toward her. “I think you have some inkling, girl.” Her voice was a bit of a growl. The jealousy that this lycan felt toward Willow was incredible.
“Ava, how absolutely lovely to see you.” A familiar voice came from behind Willow. “Splendid evening isn’t it?” Rose placed her hand upon Willow’s shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze to it. “How are you love?” She asked as she looked down to Willow with a friendly smile. Rose had a glass of wine in her other hand, she looked nearly fully recovered. Either that or she was hiding her pain rather well.
The lycan straightened and took a few paces back from Rose as she drew in a breath. “Rose.” She spoke and bowed her head slightly, respecting the Alpha’s mate. “I was just saying hello to um...” The woman looked to Willow.
“Willow.” Rose answered for her, “She’s a guest of Armin’s in our home. Quite a sweet dear.” She had a smile upon her lips as she spoke. “Wouldn’t want anyone thinking of harming her.” She tacked onto the end.
“Right, of course not. Pleasure to meet you, Willow...” She turned to Rose and bowed her head slightly. “Rose.” She spoke before she took her leave into the crowd.
Rose let out a soft chuckle only to grimace, her hand slipped away from Willow’s shoulder and she gripped onto her side for a moment before she composed herself once again. “Willow, love.” She sat down and gazed to her a moment. “I know, you may feel as though you’ve been placed in a rather strange predicament….” She raised a brow slightly before she took a sip of her wine. “But, in fact...you may be the most protected non-wolf in this building.” She smirked slightly. “Armin would have her head if she touched you. You know that?” She chuckled and stood, she squeezed her shoulder gently again. “Don’t cower from them. Show them you’re strong, they will leave you well alone.” She slipped away as another lycan stepped up and asked for her to dance with him.
Soon enough Armin returned with a plate and a glass of wine, as well as a glass of whiskey for him. He juggled it quite well. He sat down and took a sip from his glass. He smiled to Willow. “I...um...tried to get you a fair amount of variety.” He looked to the plate that had more than enough food upon it. “And I got the wine you like.” He grinned to her then.
**
Kai giggled slightly, “You and I both. It takes quite a bit to impress me anymore.” She scoffed with a playful laugh on the end. She sipped from her wine as she looked out over the humans and lycans that mingled. His comment caused her to raise a brow slightly. Though, it wasn’t unheard of….most packs didn’t associate with humans. They killed them on sight even. Those packs that didn’t associate at all though...those were generally the most dangerous.
“Ah yes, well...I do suppose I could expect that from most. Couldn’t I?” She remarked as her crystal hues fell upon him once again. She tilted her head as she listened to him speak, it was evident that she was paying keen attention to him. Deciphering his words, his posture. Every bit about him that she possibly could. A smirk split her lips as he stated that he merely wanted the company of a beautiful woman. “Well, perhaps, you may have succeeded in finding yourself an enjoyable evening Baron.” She finished her glass of wine and handed it off as he asked for another dance. She grinned to him, “Ah yes, that does sound delightful. Lead away.” She offered her hand forward to him to lead her back onto the floor. Some of the pack members were watching the two in curiosity. Kai normally kept to the balcony for the most part. A dance or two, here or there. But to dance twice with the same lycan was unlike her. “You know, I’m breaking quite a few of my rules.” She commented as they made it to the dance floor and she placed her hand upon his shoulder. “I don’t normally allow those who seek me out to catch my attention too terribly much.” She smirked to him as she gazed up into his eyes. “But, I will hand it to you Baron, perhaps it is your roguish nature, but you’ve caught my eye. You’re quite intriguing.” Kai admitted with a giggle. Perhaps it was the wine that was fresh in her blood speaking. She leaned in against him a moment a wide smile upon her lips. “Alright, shall we?” She asked him with a smirk.
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Post by Nyte on Apr 14, 2021 20:48:41 GMT -5
Willow leaned away from the woman as she grew closer with the hint of a threat to her tone. What did she want her to say? Some sort of secret recipe, phrase or action to win Armin over? She didn't fully understand their attraction to each other herself much less be able to explain it to someone else. Luckily for her she heard the soft, familiar voice of Rose come up from behind her and she gave a small sigh of relief. She was being rescued.. again.
The sudden shift in behavior from the woman was a bit.. amusing in a way. She had looked ready to tear into Willow at any given moment just a second ago and now she looked as if she were trying to look for a reason to be anywhere else in that moment. She even made a hasty retreat after the short introduction provided by Rose. After Ava had departed, disappearing in the crowd of the banquet Willow looked up to Rose with a thankful expression as she grimaced then sat in the chair next to her. Willow would have to brew another pain draught for Rose before going to bed so the woman could sleep easier.
"I will try to keep that in mind. Thank you, Rose." Willow told her with a sincere smile before she was taken away for another dance. Then as Armin returned with the plate and two drinks she smiled at him, trying to hide the discomfort from the interaction only a brief moment ago, and scoot forward in her seat slightly. "It looks great." She told him and plucked a strawberry from the plate and bit into the sweet fruit. After taking her wine and giving a small nod as she chewed her bite she looked to him with a sweet smile. "You're going to spoil me." She told him and gave a small giggle before her eyes glanced to the side for a brief moment to see if Ava was anywhere nearby. Luckily she was not, and then she returned her attention fully back to Armin. "So, do these parties ever get out of control?" She asked and glanced around to the crowd to see everyone laughing, drinking and being generally relaxed. "Most of the time when there were get togethers with.. well, with the others parties would often turn into contests or even all out brawls."
****
Baron seemed pleased that she accepted his offer for another dance. He made it a point not to try too hard, chasing a woman with too much vigor often had the reverse of the desired affect so he settled with making small offers and if they were accepted he was simply delighted. He lead her by the hand back out onto the dance floor and slid his hand behind the small of her back, pulling her a bit closer than before, and smiled down at her as she commented about breaking her rules. He honestly hadn't been paying that much attention to those around them. He had his eyes on the prize and they simply weren't part of the equation.
"Well, I suppose I could say that some rules are made to be broken. Then again I think I'll just simply go with 'I'm flattered'." He told her with a chuckle before beginning to lead her through the steps of the newest dance. The song was much slower paced than the previous and allowed him to hold her closer as he continued to converse with her upon the dance floor. "And what, if I may ask, do you find intriguing about me M'Lady?" He asked with a playful smirk as they swept across the dance floor.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 14, 2021 21:13:08 GMT -5
“Spoil you?” Armin questioned with a playful smile. “Absolutely not.” He took a drink from his glass and then chuckled lightly. “I am only catching you back up. I’ve plenty of years that you were not treated as you should have been. So…spoil you? Perhaps you could call it that.” He smirked to her as he grabbed a blueberry and popped it into his mouth. He glanced around to the party as she posed the question, another chuckle came over his lips. “No. Not normally. I’m sure you will come to realize the more that you are around our pack, but we aren’t…violent like most.” He nodded slightly. “I’ve heard of what happens in others…from our newer pack members…” He shook his head, a bit of a frown upon his lips. “They do not think of their actions…then again their parties do not normally include…the variety that ours does…other packs do not mingle among humans.” He lifted his crystal hues to watch as Rose danced upon the floor with one of the lycans of their pack. “Hm…” He hummed lightly, he could see her guarding her side, trying to hide the pain. “A moment.” He spoke as he stood and swiftly made his way through the crowd as the song came to an end.
Armin’s eyes locked on Kai a moment, intrigue filled his expression. She was dancing with someone? He looked to the lycan with almost judgmental eyes. Though he caught his sister’s eyes and she smiled brightly to him, he nodded and returned his attention back to Rose. “Rose.” He spoke as he made his way to her, “Why don’t you get a bite to eat? You seem tired.” He offered. “Too many dances.” He chuckled as he looked to the lycan.
The lycan raised his brows. “Oh….” He looked to Rose and he bowed his head. “Apologies, Rose.” He stepped back.
Armin wrapped his arm around Rose and helped her back over to the table, she was having a difficult time holding in her pained expression. “Just sit, relax a bit, hm?” He spoke and slid his glass toward her. “Drink that, it’ll help.” He then returned his attention to Willow and smiled. “How’s your meal?” He questioned.
**
Kai did not fight against Baron as he pulled her a bit closer, if anything she stepped into his grasp a chuckle came over her lips. “Ah yes, there are plenty of rules to be broken. But my own? I don’t normally break those.” She giggled lightly to him before she twirled from his lead in the song. She returned close to him, her hand upon his chest. She gazed up into his eyes and tilted her head as he posed the question. Her eyes caught her brother and she smiled to Armin before she returned her attention to Baron. “You aren’t afraid of me for one.” She spoke with a smirk. “Most of our pack is quite afraid of me because my brother is the Alpha…and…” She searched his hues a long moment. “You aren’t nearly as pushy as most. Most of the other lycans that have asked for a dance from me seem to be like a dog after a fresh kill.” She shook her head slightly. “I feel more like a prize than anything…” Kai had no idea that he was bidding after her as a prize. His approach had completely thrown off her normal attitude toward the men of the pack. Then again, perhaps a stranger caused her more intrigue. As the song came to a close and stayed close to him, her hand still upon his chest.
“Kai?” A voice came from beside them. “Um…” A handsome lycan stood. “Could I ask for a dance?” He asked, his voice a bit timid. He looked to Baron and then to Kai.
A smirk curved up her lips as she pat Baron’s chest with her hand. “Ah see?” She chuckled lightly. “Perhaps I’ll see you soon?” She questioned as she pulled from his grasp and turned to the lycan. “A dance sounds quite lovely.” She offered him her hand and stepped into the crowd with the man. Kai did not get nearly as close to him as he moved her about the dance floor. Though her movements were still silky smooth. Once the dance was finished, she stepped from the dance floor once more and found herself another glass of wine. She stepped outside to the balcony to get a breath of fresh air, all of the dancing had made her feel as though she was standing before a fireplace.
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Post by Nyte on May 9, 2021 21:05:13 GMT -5
Willow couldn't help but to smile at Armin as he denied spoiling her. She didn't take into account her past when it came to his treatment of her. She didn't feel as if he owed her anything to make up for any amount of pain or unhappiness she had experienced up to this point. However she found it incredibly endearing he wanted to put forth the effort regardless.
When Armin suddenly excused himself from the table she nodded and followed him with her eyes as he made his way through the crowd towards Rose. She too could see the strained expression on her fair features and a frown pulled at the corners of her lips. The injuries she sustained were great and if Willow wanted to be able to heal such things in the future, should they happen, she needed to improve her healing skill greatly. It wasn't something she really could practice though. She would never have someone hurt themselves for such a reason, but she could study and make herself stronger overall.
Once Armin returned to the table with Rose she smiled at the lycan and titled her head a little to the side. "Do you need me to return to the house to make another pain draught? It's not a problem and since we already gathered the ingredients it wouldn't take long." She asked Rose.
"The food is fantastic by the way." She replied to Armin. "It gives me some ideas for some more recipes the next time I cook for everyone."
***
Baron nodded in understanding as Kai explained why others would find her intimidating. Though despite who her family was there was a confidence about Kai that granted her a sort of command that he could see would easily intimidate a less bold wolf. When she placed her hand upon his chest his smile grew a little as he looked down into her crystal clear hues. When the song came to an end he grasped her hand from his chest and leaned down to gently place a kiss upon the back of her fingers. All the while his eyes never leaving hers.
It wasn't until the heard the voice of another from beside them that he remembered they were surrounded by dozens of other people. When the man asked Kai for a dance he chuckled and gladly handed her hand over to the man, even giving him a friendly pat upon the shoulder before excusing himself from the dance floor and making his way to the sidelines and going to get himself a drink and a couple of bites to eat.
He watched Kai dance with the other lycan for a moment but after a moment his attention was pulled from her and towards Willow who still sat at the table with Armin and Rose. He only looked for a moment before giving a slight shake to his head and diverting his attention once more before heading outside, through the front doors, and rounded the corner to small garden area where a stream wound its way through fruit trees.
The full moon over head lit the area up brightly. Even a human with their poor eyesight would be able to see through the night quite easily. Finding a place by the stream to enjoy the evening he happened to glance up just as Kai made her way out onto the balcony and he smiled up at her with a small wave as her gaze turned in his direction.
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