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Post by Blindside Tex on May 19, 2021 19:39:57 GMT -5
Armin glanced to Rose a moment as he took a seat at the table near Willow, a bit of a smirk upon his lips. “It is isn’t it?” He asked with a smile. “Ah there are many recipes that we will try I am sure of it.” Armin grinned playfully though his eyes trailed to Kai with curiosity once more, he tilted his head slightly. He watched as she took her leave to the balcony after she’d danced with another lycan. Curiosity was getting the best of him. She was his little sister after all, and he’d known her a very long time. For her to act out of her normal routine was rather interesting to him. The smirk stayed upon his lips as he returned his attention to Rose and Willow.
Rose drew in a breath as she looked to Willow, she grasped the glass that Armin had given her and tilted her head back as the drink washed over her tongue. Her nose wrinkled to the bitter taste of the stiff drink. Her chestnut hues fell upon Willow once more. “I wouldn’t ask you to leave the party, Willow.” She spoke as she straightened herself slightly.
“As skilled as you are at hiding pain, Rose. You’re failing quite miserably.” Armin spoke, his brow raised slightly his crystal hues fell upon Willow and he smiled. “Perhaps we could head back to the manor and gather a pain draught for Rose?”
Footsteps approached from behind in that moment. “Rose…” It was Rhett. His brows were furrowed as his emerald hues gazed to Willow and Armin. He nodded his head and took a seat near her. He picked a piece of cheese from the platter and smirked to Willow. “Are you enjoying yourself?” He asked. “Quite the party isn’t it?”
Armin cleared his throat slightly as he looked to his brother. “It is even better than last year.” He nodded his eyes then fell upon Rose. “Willow and I will go gather the pain draught for you.” He stood and offered his arm to Willow. “It won’t take long.” He nodded as his hues looked to Willow and he led her from the hall. It was quiet outside in the silvery moonlight. He gazed up into the sky, clear as can be the stars twinkled happily upon the black backdrop. “Rose is a strong wolf, but she shouldn’t be dancing. Unfortunately it is expected of her to dance. Just as it is expected of Kai to dance.” He drew in a breath. “More so Kai than Rose.” He glanced to Willow. “We will be back swiftly though, hm?” He wrapped his arm around her waist as they walked along, “I’ll need more to drink.” He chuckled. “Otherwise I might lose my courage.” He winked to her playfully.
**
Kai leaned against the cool stone of the balcony as her eyes gazed down to the gardens below. A smirk curved up her lips when she saw the waving movement. Her brow raised when she realized it was Baron. “Curious lycan.” She spoke to herself with a chuckle. She gave a wave back and chuckled lightly.
“You fancy that one you were dancing with inside?” A lycan stepped onto the balcony with Kai. He had dark well-kept hair, strong brows, and an equally strong jawline. It was clear that he didn’t notice Baron in the gardens as his eyes were focused on Kai. “He looked like he came in off the street. That isn’t what you want in your family line. Is it?” A chuckle came over the lycan’s lips. He sipped from his glass of brandy and let out a delighted sigh to the taste. “You should mingle with your own level of….” He paused to think a moment. “Sophistication.” He smirked then. “Don’t you think, Kai?” He reached and cupped her cheek. His thumb brushed along her cheek as he smirked to her. “You’re far to beautiful for a street rat anyway.” He chuckled lightly.
Kai’s crystal hues fell upon the lycan, her brows furrowed slightly. “Peter.” She spoke, distaste in her tone. He had been chasing after her since she was old enough to mate. “Sophistication?” She laughed in his face. “You think you’re some polished jewel? Just because your father was born into money, the same as you?” She pulled her face from the grasp of his hand as she took a step back from him. Kai took a drink of her wine. “Perhaps it is sophistication that I despise? Have you ever thought of that, hm?” She glared to him. “Pompous bastards like yourself don’t make it hard to hate.”
Peter watched her closely, a laugh came over his lips. “Don’t forget who I am Kai.” He spoke, his tone less playful than before. He moved so that she stepped and her back pressed against the balcony. His hands moved to rest on either side of her as he gazed down into her eyes with a grin upon his lips. “You wouldn’t want my father acting against your brother now would you? You’d lose…what…half the pack? Is that the right number?” He questioned, a smirk upon his lips. “Father told me that Rhett even discussed signing a contact with my father…to give you to me…so why do you keep fighting against it?”
“He would do no such thing.” Kai sneered. Her crystal hues gazed up into his. She wanted dearly to slap him, but she knew better. Peter’s father was part of the council. If Kai hurt him in anyway it would cause a disruption within the pack and she knew it. Politics were something she knew quite well. She knew how to play the game with ease.
Peter grinned to her as he gazed into her eyes, “You’re adorable when you’re angry, Kai.” He cupped her cheek again, Kai had nowhere to go, she couldn’t pull away from him. He leaned forward and at the last moment Kai turned her head, his lips pressed against her cheek. He drew in a breath as he gripped her jaw and gazed into her eyes. “Soon enough, Kai.” He spoke, his jaw tight. “Soon enough you’ll stop fighting against this. Either that or your brother will sign you off to me. Either way, I win.” He took a step back, “I’ll see you inside.” He spoke as he stepped back into the hall.
Kai grit her teeth, her chest was heaving with anger. She downed her glass of wine and closed her eyes for a moment. She glanced back to the gardens, her expression troubled. She then walked into the hall. She grasped a new glass of wine and walked out the front door of the hall. She downed this glass as well and handed it off to someone that was walking inside. She walked around the building to the gardens and she waved her way passed the fruit trees to the edge of the steam. “It’s much…nicer out here.” She spoke as she stood, her arms crossed over her body. Her crystal hues gazed to Baron then, her brows were still furrowed slightly from her interaction with Peter.
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Post by Nyte on May 19, 2021 20:26:21 GMT -5
"You didn't ask me to do anything, Rose. I'm offering." Willow quickly retorted in addition to Armin's comment about her not hiding her pain well. She offered the woman a gentle smile as well. Though as Willow saw Rhett approaching she sat up just a bit straighter and gave him the acknowledgement an alpha deserved as she always did when he entered a room or addressed her. "The party is absolutely wonderful. Everyone is smiling." She told him.
When Armin mentioned going to get the draught Willow nodded and slipped her hand around his extended arm as she rose from her seat as well. "Try not to get roped into any other dances till we get back, hmm?" Willow offered and reached out to gently touch Rose's shoulder reassuringly before being lead away by Armin.
Once they were outside, almost as soon as the moonlight touched her skin, Willow took a deep breath and exhaled before smiling up at Armin. The silvery markings upon her face showed clearly once more. The tell-tell sign of her magical origins clearly on display for anyone to see who cared to look. "You're very brave as it is, Armin. Drink or no drink." She giggled and leaned against him slightly as they walked with his arm around her waist.
As they began to approach the gates that would lead into the manor itself Willow's smile faded as she began to get an uneasy feeling. It wasn't something she could explain. It was just a feeling of dread as they grew closer to the manor. At one point it got so great she stopped walking and simply stared ahead as the entrance sat before them only a few feet away. "Something isn't right." She said in a voice barely above a whisper.
Just then, as a breeze picked up, the metallic smell of blood reached Willow's senses and she wrinkled her nose a bit in disgust. Stepping forward once more she held onto Armin tightly and as they stepped through the gate the sight of a glyph, painted in blood, could be see on the stone pillar on the interior side of the gate. Luckily there was no accompanying body to go with the large amount of blood, but that left the question of what type of creature had been slaughtered to deliver the cryptic message. "Armin.." Willow glanced up to him for possible answers.
***
Baron smiled to himself as Kai waved back to him. He was glad that the woman was so friendly. Even if most men found her to be elusive she was quite charming in her own way. He had planned on being outside just for a few minutes, to gather his thoughts and decide his next course of action away from the bustling crowd and music. So he was about to turn his attention back to the stream when he noticed another individual step out onto the balcony with Kai. From the way he carried himself Baron could tell he was a lycan and he frowned as he noticed that Kai didn't seem quite happy to see the man as he began to converse with her.
Normally he would have kept his nose out of other people's business. What concern of it was his anyway? She was a wolf, she could handle herself, though as he watched the man begin to back her into a corner he felt a sort of rage start to bubble up within him. It wasn't that he was overly protective of Kai herself but he had never been the fan of such courtship tactics. It was those sorts of actions that caused infighting and long discussions between involved packs to right injustices each of them claimed.
He was half tempted to jump up on the balcony to intervene, but it was in that moment that the man seemed to excuse himself and returned inside once more with Kai soon following afterwards. Baron sighed and shook his head as he diverted his attention from the balcony and focused on the river in front of him. He had a goal in mind and he was going to follow through with it, no matter what. That goal did not involve in getting caught up in other people's affairs.
He had knelt down by the river and was playing with a small, smooth stone he had picked up as he watched the water slip by. Occasionally his sharp eyes would pick up the sight of a small minnow or tad pole along the edge. Everything here seemed so delicate that it almost made him afraid to touch anything. Worrying he might just break something by looking at it and then he would never be able to gain Rhett's good graces.
As he heard the sound of a voice from beside him he glanced up to see Kai had made her way down and had a minorly annoyed expression on her lovely features with her arms folded across her chest. "It is nice out here. Calm and quite." He commented with a smile and stood back up to his full height before dusting the knees of his pants off. "I suppose not every bit of company at a party is always pleasant to be around?" He asked and glanced back up to the balcony she had been standing on only a few moments prior.
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 19, 2021 20:53:23 GMT -5
Armin chuckled and gave a gentle squeeze to Willow as he smirked down to her. “I’m only as brave as you believe me to be, hm?” He smirked to her. “You wouldn’t recognize me in my younger years.” He let out a playful laugh. “I used to hide behind my big brother quite a bit. But when Kai came to be. We both had to protect our younger sister. Through hardship some of the most powerful souls are born. Just like you.” He gazed to her with curious eyes. “You are incredibly strong, braver than even you believe yourself to be.” He spoke as he continued to walk ahead.
As they approached the gates of the manor Armin caught the smell of blood before Willow had even mentioned it. His nose curled slightly and he gripped onto her a bit more tightly. When she stopped he glanced to her. “I know…I can smell it….” His nose wrinkled slightly once again. As they walked forward Armin’s eyes fell upon the bloody message that was painted upon the stone pillar. He grit his teeth slightly, his eyes had turned to the golden hues of his lycan. His breathing had quickened. It was the blood of a lycan, there was no doubt in that. But who? His grip had tightened slightly on Willow, his fangs could be seen as he took in deep breaths. “Come on. We need to get inside.” He ushered her into the building. He shut the door behind him and his arm released her. He gazed about the house, it was silent, nothing inside seemed to have been touched.
Armin gazed to Willow with curious hues, the golden color began to fade from his eyes and his expression softened. “Whomever has sent that message…killed a lycan do to so.” He spoke, his voice soft. “I’ve never seen a glyph like that before in all of my years…” He shook his head. “It looks like an entirely different language.” He frowned slightly.
**
Kai smirked as she looked to Baron and a chuckle came over her lips. “At any gathering there are far fewer individuals that are pleasant to be around than there are those that I would wish to be around.” She spoke as her gaze fell to his eyes as he stood. “Especially for the little sister of the alpha.” Another laugh came over her lips. She staggered slightly, another laugh. She’d downed two full glasses in quick succession. She laughed as she looked up to one of the fruit trees. She stepped over to it and reached up to grasp an apple. Kai plucked it from the branch and she admired the beautiful red color beneath the silky moonlight. “Why are you really here, Baron?” She asked as she looked up to him, her eyes focused in on him now. Her trust in anyone was low. The most trusting Kai had been was with Willow, she’d never felt so fond of someone so quickly.
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Post by Nyte on May 19, 2021 21:48:44 GMT -5
Willow didn't argue when he pulled her inside in the house and closed the door. She didn't know the symbol either but as she looked out a small window towards the front gate she couldn't help but get a feeling that she should know what it is. Like something familiar at the back of her mind that tugged on her consciousness. Her eyes and skin still held the soft glow of her own markings for a moment before fading away from view. "I've seen it somewhere.. I think.. maybe.. I'm just not sure where." She told Armin as she glanced up to him.
"We should get the draught and head back. Rhett will want to know someone's at least been injured." She offered and moved away from Armin to head back towards the apothecary room to mix up a new potion for Rose. She would make this one a bit stronger so the affects would last a bit longer and keep her pain at bay.
"Who leaves a message in blood but doesn't leave the body? Also the lines are so clean and smooth looking. Like they were done with a paint brush rather than with someone's hand." She sighed as she worked to quickly assemble the brew.
****
Baron nodded at her comment about the sorts of guests she would have to interact with at such events and then gave a soft chuckle. When she suddenly switched their conversation back onto him though he lifted an eyebrow and tilted his head. "I want to join your pack. I've run from mine and do not desire to be on my own for the rest of my life." He offered easily. His answer came as easily as if she had asked him what his favorite food or drink was. With no hesitation.
"If you don't trust my reasoning then why would you follow me out here to the garden? Surely you didn't decide to join me because I happened to be standing in your favorite spot." He retorted.
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 19, 2021 22:10:49 GMT -5
Armin drew in a breath as he tried to think of what the glyph could mean. “It doesn’t look like anything the Silverfang pack would have done. It’s too clean, just like you said. The marking was neat. Almost perfect.” He followed her to the apothecary room. “You’ve seen it?” He questioned curiously. Armin seemed to think deeply for a moment before he turned and rushed from the room, leaving Willow alone in the apothecary room. When he returned he was flipping through the old leather book of Fey. “Maybe here? Is this where you saw it?” He questioned as he flipped through it quickly. “Rhett will want to know yes. But he will also expect some form of an answer. If we come to him with the little that we have…” He drew in a breath. “The harvest festival is a big thing to our pack…surely someone is merely playing tricks upon us…” He sighed softly as he continued to flip through the book to try to find something similar. “What about the page you saw in the moonlight?” He questioned as he looked to Willow curiously.
**
Kai watched him with her crystal hues, a smirk curved up her lips to the ease of his response. Perhaps Peter was putting the wrong thoughts in her mind by calling Baron a street rat. “I don’t trust many.” She spoke after a moment before she bit into the apple. She then chuckled. “This is the best apple tree in town.” She chuckled as she stepped forward. “Besides I wasn’t going to stay up there.” She glanced to the balcony. She waivered a bit as she took a step forward. “Apologies if I made you uncomfortable. You understand?” She gazed up to him and took another bite from her apple. “Not everyone that comes to join our pack does so with good intentions.”
Footsteps crunched over the gravel pathway. Rhett approached the two, “Kai.” He spoke as he eyed Baron. “If you would excuse my sister.” He watched the lycan carefully. “She’s had a bit too much to drink this evening. No need to worry I will escort her inside.” He offered a chuckle with a charming smile. “Come along, Kai.” He wrapped his arm around her then and gave a nod to Baron. “You’re welcome back inside too if you’d like friend.” He turned with Kai and began to walk away with her then.
“Brother I’m fine.” Kai staggered from his quick steps. The apple fell from her grasp and rolled across the ground and slipped into the gentle waters of the stream. “Oh….” Her eyes gazed to the apple. She then glanced back to Baron a moment before she let out a long sigh.
“Oh?” He chuckled as he looked down to her. “It doesn’t quite seem that way little sister.” He spoke as he walked her along. “You can relax with Rose up on the balcony for awhile hm?” He led her inside of the hall and helped her up the stairs, she stumbled a few times, giggles came over her lips as she did so. Rhett helped her side at a table that Rose was seated at. “Rose, do be sure that my sister doesn’t go anywhere hm?”
“Did you see the street rat?” Peter questioned as he walked up. “To think your sister is swooning over some garbage like that.” He chuckled and scoffed.
Rhett turned to Peter as he lifted a glass of whiskey to his lips. “You know Peter, you’d be doing yourself a favor to keep that mouth shut. Unless you’d like me to shut it for you.” He raised a brow. “I’m under no obligation to sign the deal that your father has offered me. Do not treat Kai as a prize. She is my sister.” Peter grit his teeth slightly as he glance to Kai whom looked to the two, her jaw loose. He smirked slightly before he walked away. It was true what Peter had spoken to her on the balcony. She reached forward and grasped the bottle of whiskey and poured herself a glass. Rhett quickly turned and grasped the glass from her. “Kai.” He spoke as he gazed into her eyes. “You’ve had enough, hm?” He nodded. “Don’t you think you should drink some water?”
Kai took in a breath, “If you’re just going to sign me away brother. Just do it.” She spoke as she stood and walked away.
Rhett turned to follow after his sister. Rose grasped his hand. “Rhett.” She spoke as she gripped her side. “Let her be. I wouldn’t be too happy if I found out my brother was even negotiating a deal to basically sell me for a deal with the council.” Rose gazed up to him as she drew in a breath. “She has a right to be upset with you my love.”
Rhett grit his teeth. “He wasn’t supposed to say anything to her about it.” He growled, his eyes flashed golden. “I have half of a mind to kill the fool.” His hands balled into fists. “I am the damn alpha, I can’t be controlled by the council that sat back idly and watched my father die.”
**
Kai walked swiftly from the hall. She brushed a few tears from her cheeks. She stumbled slightly from the alcohol as she walked the streets back toward the manor.
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Post by Nyte on May 19, 2021 22:36:38 GMT -5
Willow turned to watch as Armin left the room while she continue to work. When he returned she was pouring the liquid into a small bottle and pressed a cork into the top to prevent it from spilling out. "Maybe? I don't remember." She admitted and handed him the bottle while taking the book from Armin and walking to stand next to the window where she could read the pages in the moonlight.
Flipping through the book her eyes scanned each page quickly, looking for something that looked even a little similar to the glyph painted on the gate. After a minute or two she finally stopped on a page and held it up in the light. "Here!" She told him with excitement in her tone. "Markings that tell of warnings or messages left by fey families to communicate with enemies. Often the intended recipients don't understand the meaning and are caught by surprise." She furrowed her brow, a bit confused. "Surprise, are they going to attack? It's not like we've done anything to them." She reasoned.
****
"You would never.." Baron began to reply to Kai's comment before he saw Rhett approaching and he bowed his head out of respect before looking back up at the alpha and his sister. "No apologies are necessary." Baron assured him and made no move to impede the alpha or draw any extra attention to himself. Instead he simply watched as Rhett escorted the very, very tipsy Kai back into the party where she could be watched more carefully.
He gave a soft sigh once they were gone and shook his head. This was going to be a chore, he just knew it. No matter how appealing Kai was dealing with the pack was not going to be easy. They were far more tight knit than other packs were. Hell, he had seen alphas sell their own children to secure their positions within the ranks. Rhett seemed to keep his very close. In a way he was envious but at the same time thankful he didn't have such connections.
After a bit of time Baron decided to call it an early night. He had made his appearance and introduction as planned. Now he could rest after his long trip. He had secured a room at the inn and was looking forward to sleeping in peace for a while before continuing his mission in the morning. It looked to be a late morning the next day as well so he could take his time at least. With how much everyone was drinking not a soul would be up before dawn, that was for certain.
As he walked along the dirt road, hands in his pockets and whistling a soft tune to himself, he noticed the smell of blood on the wind and paused as he tilted his head in curiosity. He hadn't heard fighting and he hadn't encountered anyone else on the street. Perhaps it was an animal. A pair of dogs fighting somewhere or a wild animal claiming a kill. The later lit his senses on fire. He wanted to hunt as well, but had been unable to for a while due to his mission. The hunt of the harvest was close at hand he hoped to get in on it with Kai's pack. He just had to earn a little bit of their trust first.
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 19, 2021 22:49:53 GMT -5
Armin took the bottle and he looked to it a moment before he looked to Willow with curious eyes. “It’s the only thing I can think of…” He sighed softly. “Unless you saw it on something at the Silverfang pack…” He muttered in thought as he looked around the apothecary room, trying to think. When she exclaimed that she’d found it Armin stepped forward and looked to the page in the book. He listened as she spoke the words, his own brows furrowed. He pressed his lips together in a line and grit his teeth slightly. “Unless they believe that we are holding you captive…or that you are endangered…perhaps? Remember the fey have not been friendly to any sort of beings in a long while…” He shook his head. “Even our kind broke the trust of your kind years ago…centuries even….” Armin drew in a breath. “We should get back. We need to warn Rhett…and…get this to Rose.” He lifted the vial. “Come on. We will figure this out…” He spoke as he stepped from the room. As he walked outside he gazed around, almost as if he expected to be attacked. He gazed to the glyph again his eyes looked to the forest and to the shadows within the trees, trying to discern if anything was there watching.
“If only they saw the way that the Silverfang pack treated you perhaps they wouldn’t be so aggressive?” He questioned and shook his head as he walked forward. “My grandfather protected your kind…I…don’t want to harm you, Willow.” He gazed to her. Thoughts were racing through his mind. Would the fey attack? How many were there?
**
Kai walked along absentmindedly. Her heels clicked against the cobblestone that soon turned to dirt upon the roadway. She drew in a stiff breath as the scent of blood reached her nostrils. Her hues immediately flushed to the golden color, her breathing quickened. She winced as she felt her body threaten to change. The amount of alcohol in her system made it difficult to refrain from her primal urges. She let out a groan as she pushed the wolf back in her mind. She shook her head. She heard footsteps behind her and turned swiftly. “Oh. You’re following me now?” She questioned as she nearly fell. “At least you’re not fucking Peter Lyonel.” She threw her arms up slightly. “You know my brother wants to sign me off to that sleezy wolf? You haven’t even met him and I’m sure you’d hate him just the same.” It was clear that Kai was drunk as she spoke. Several of her words slurred.
She turned back around, “You smell that though? That’s a fresh kill.” She let out a chuckle as she continued to walk forward. “Are you excited for the hunt, Baron? We have quite a few worthy contenders this year, it should offer us more fun than the previous years. Plenty of those that deserve it.” She smirked back to him as she continued walking.
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Post by Nyte on May 23, 2021 13:17:22 GMT -5
Willow glanced up to Armin as he offered his insight on the situation they found themselves in. How ironic was it that they had only just found out that she wasn't human and now they were being threatened by the people whom she had never even known existed. It was a bit more insulting than anything. They never came to her aid in all her fifty years while she was with the Silverfang pack. Subjected to abuse and dangerous situations, but the moment she's with a less threatening pack they decide to try and come rescue her?
"I know you would never harm me, Armin." Willow reassured him as they made their way back towards town. "If these fey do pose a threat.. I promise I'll try and help defend against them." She looked at her hand, which her arm and back of her palm held the silvery markings under the moonlight. She could feel her power course through her veins, she just didn't know how to fully tap into it yet.
****
As Baron continued down the road he chuckled to himself as he saw a familiar figure practically stumbling down the road in front of him. He could smell the wine on Kai long before he was close enough to speak to her. Even with the quickened metabolism of the wolf she had managed to get herself quite drunk. "Following? Perhaps it is you who is seeking me out. I was simply going to return to the inn to get some sleep. My travels have left me a bit tired." He offered and gave another chuckle as he listened to the circumstance of the pending arrangement with another lycan.
"I did smell the kill. It's quite.. invigorating." He stated with a nod and a smile. "If I am allowed to join the hunt I would look forward to it very much. However I am not sure who would deserve such a fate." He tilted his head as she turned to continue walking down the road. "Kai.. would you like me to accompany you home? Ensure that you make it alright?" He offered in earnest. Plus making sure the alpha's sister was safe would probably be a good way to earn his graces quickly.
****
As the pair walked down the road Willow noticed another pair of people walking towards them. It didn't take her long for her to realize it was Kai with another man whom she did not recognize. A smile pulled at the corners of Willow's lips but she couldn't help but to glance up to Armin to check his reaction to the sight.
Baron also notice the other pair walking towards them and straightened his posture as he held the same polite smile he had when he first introduced himself to Kai.
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 23, 2021 18:11:13 GMT -5
Armin gazed to her, his eyes worried and yet caring all the same. He looked to the markings and a smile curved up his lips. “Your markings are so beautiful.” He spoke as he took her hand he ran his fingertips along the markings and then he smiled. He gazed into her eyes a moment before he looked ahead. “Well, fey or not. I’m not letting anyone hurt you. If they are making threats who is to say that they are wanting the best for you? I am going to keep you safe, Willow. You’ve suffered enough.”
**
“Oh it’s me hm?” Kai giggled as she turned and stopped walking. “You tired? From traveling.” She shook her head and then continued walking along rather slowly awaiting him to fully catch up. Kai listened to his words, a smirk upon her lips the entire while. “You know what Baron?” She asked as she looked to him, another giggle came over her lips. She grasped his arm and wrapped it around her waist. She leaned against him slightly and let out a contented sigh. “Yes, you can accompany me home. In fact.” She started to walk forward again, a smile upon her lips. She gazed up to him. “You’ll come with me to the hunt tomorrow. I want you to be my plus one or whatever they call it. Fuck Peter.” She laughed and then leaned her head against his shoulder. “That’s what I think.” She gave a content sigh. “You’re much more of a wolf than him anyway, he…only has power because his father is on the council. That’s it.” She held up her hand as if she was tossing something to the side.
Kai’s crystal hues caught the shape of something ahead of them. Two others. She tilted her head slightly, a smile curved up her lips. “Ah perfect my dear brother and his lovely Willow.” She called out.
**
Armin tilted his head slightly as his sister came into view. “Kai doesn’t bring strangers home…” He spoke his voice soft. “I don’t trust this wolf…I’ve never seen him before…but Kai was dancing with him earlier.” He whispered this to Willow. He drew in a breath, “Kai, darling sister…are you alright? You sound a bit drunk dear.” He stepped forward and was greeted with a tight hug from his sister. His nose wrinkled up a bit. “Oh, did you bathe in wine?” He laughed. His crystal hues lifted to look to Baron. “Who’s this?” He asked curiously, a judging stare upon his expression.
Kai released her brother from the hug and giggled lightly, “Oh? This is Baron.” She stepped back and snaked her arm around his. “He’s come to join our pack. He is to run the hunt with me tomorrow.”
These words caused Armin to raise his brows. Kai had never invited another wolf to the hunt with her. He looked to Baron, a bit of a smirk curved up his lips. “Are you sure you’re up for that, Baron?” He grinned playing along with his sister. “I’m Armin, Kai’s older brother.” He introduced himself. “This is Willow.” He gazed to Willow and slipped his arm around her waist in a caring manner. “Perhaps I should help my sister get home, hm?” He glanced to Willow curiously. He wasn't sure if he was just being an overprotective brother...or if something was truly off about this other wolf. It almost made him uncomfortable how quickly Kai had let her guard down. But then again, she had plenty of wine as an excuse for her behavior.
Kai chuckled as she leaned against Baron. “No, no need to ruin your night dear brother. I have found myself an escort. He’s quite a strapping wolf isn’t it?” She grinned and then looked up to Baron, her crystal eyes locked on him a moment before she looked to Willow. “What were you two doing? Hm?” She mused, a playful tone in her voice.
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Post by Nyte on May 23, 2021 21:55:53 GMT -5
As Armin whispered to her Willow furrowed her brows slightly but quickly changed her expression to a polite one as they all met. She smiled at Kai and gave a curious look but remained silent as Armin spoke first. She didn't know this Baron either but even she was surprised to hear that Kai was bringing him along as her guest for the hunt. Of course Willow would not be participating but she figured Kai to be the very exclusive type in who she chose to bring close to her family.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Baron told Armin and gave a short bow of his head out of respect for the alpha's brother. Though as Kai proceeded to compliment him in front of the the pair he couldn't help but fidget uncomfortably as he gave a nervous chuckle.
"We went to fetch a draught for Rose." Willow offered up. "She has a headache." The family hadn't exactly been up front with Rose's injuries so she offered a simple excuse for why Rose might need any sort of medicine. Not to mention with the party and all the alcohol it wasn't a far fetched lie.
"Headaches are always a pain.." Baron said in jest which Willow chuckled and nodded in agreement. "Well, we better get back so we can give it to Rose." She told Armin. "I'm sure Baron will get Kai home safely." She told Armin as she snaked her arm around his middle as he held onto her waist.
"But of course. I shall see her home and then I am going to return to my room in the inn for the evening. Hopefully I shall see the two of you soon though." Baron offered with another smile and glanced back to the still very drunk Kai.
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 23, 2021 22:20:52 GMT -5
Armin watched Baron carefully, “A pleasure, yes.” He spoke his crystal hues looking over his posture, his expression. A smirk curved up his lips when Kai had complimented the man and he seemed to get nervous from the remarks. He glanced to Willow as she quickly covered for Rose’s injuries. He let out a chuckle to Baron’s joke as well.
Kai smiled and hugged onto Baron’s arm, “You will.” She remarked to his comment. If anything she was going to pull Baron into the politics of the family purely out of spite for her brother even thinking of using her as a means for power. Though, it was quite common for such agreements to be made. It was how many packs came together in the past. But, Kai was not to be used for such a thing, and by her own brother. She was appalled. Drunk or not, she was hurt.
“Kai.” Armin spoke and his sister turned to gaze to him. “Do be careful, there seems to be a message of some sort from the people of the forest…” He looked to Baron a bit uncomfortably. He didn’t want to outright say Fey. He didn’t know this wolf. “I’m going to inform Rhett, just be aware of it. Would you? I’ll be home soon. Just need to drop this off, hm?” He lifted the bottle of draught and shook it slightly.
Kai raised a brow slightly, her expression focused in a bit, “Don’t worry about me dear brother.” She smiled sweetly. “Oh…and Armin?” She released Baron’s arm and walked up to her brother. She placed her hands upon her hips, her brows pulled together slightly. “You can tell Rhett that he’s an asshole. That when he gets home I’ll slap him upside the head like he deserves.” She gave a nod and then looked to Willow. “You look lovely darling.” She reached forward and touched the glowing marks upon her skin. “Armin will keep you safe dear. At least you’ve got him, hm?” She brushed her thumb along Willow’s cheek gently.
“Kai…?” Armin looked perplexed. “Why are you angry with Rhett?” He asked and then glanced to Baron and then back to his sister.
Kai giggled as she looked to her brother. “Oh nothing…nothing at all.” She grinned to him and placed her hands upon his shoulders. “He just thought he was going to sell me away to Peter Lyonel. That I am some object that he can use in a bargain to gain power. Nothing big. Really.” She shrugged, though her eyes glazed over in tears as she spoke it. “So um…yeah, just do that for me would you?” She smiled and let out a giggle. “I’ll take care of the people of the woods message.” She spoke as she snaked her arm back around Baron’s and started walking forward. “See you soon dear brother, and darling Willow.” She smiled as she glanced over her shoulder. She stumbled slightly and then giggled as she walked ahead with Baron. “He likes her a lot, my brother. I’ve never seen him care so much about a girl.” She mused as she walked along. “Have you ever gotten to run in the hunt with the pack Alpha?” She asked with a smile as she gazed up to him.
**
Armin stood for a moment as he watched his sister walking away with Baron. He turned and gazed to Willow, a worried look in his eyes. “She’s toting him around like that because of what Rhett did…she’s defying Rhett…” He nodded. It made a lot more sense now. “If she claims to be interested in that wolf…” He shook his head and glanced over his shoulder. “I can’t believe Rhett would do that to Kai…” He shook his head. “There must be a mistake…”
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Post by Nyte on May 23, 2021 22:35:17 GMT -5
Willow couldn't help but to sigh when she heard the reason Kai was so angry with Rhett. Tonight was supposed to be fun and relaxed for everyone but she supposed the politics of a pack never really took a break. She had seen many people break under the pressure of a leadership role. Luckily she had never been given the opportunity to do such a thing. "I wouldn't worry too much. Rose may be Rhett's mate but I think he fears upsetting Kai more than he does Rose. She's.. not one you really want upset with you I think." Willow offered with a small giggle and reached up to gently stroke Armin's cheek with her fingers. "Come on. The quicker we can deliver this the quicker we can come back and check on Kai." She told him as she took his hand and began pulling him down the road towards the hall where everyone was still gathered.
***
"He likes her a lot? You mean they're not a mated pair?" Baron asked with a hint of confusion. "And those markings on her face and arms. Very unusual." He commented and moved to wrap his arm around Kai as she stumbled to keep her upright. "I have ran in the hunt with an alpha before. Very intimidating if I'm being perfectly honest." He told her with a chuckle.
As they approached the gates of the manor Baron found the marking in blood that Armin had mentioned. "He wasn't kidding about a message.. does this sort of thing happen often?" Baron asked with a look of concern on his expression. "What does this even mean?" It now made sense on where he had smelled the fresh blood coming from but this was not nearly as exciting to find as a kill normally was. It was down right unsettling.
"Perhaps I should stay with you until one of your brothers returns? Who ever left this obviously doesn't have friendly intentions." He offered.
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 23, 2021 22:54:39 GMT -5
Armin gazed to Willow as she spoke, a smirk curved up his lips and a chuckle escaped him to her comment. “You do have that right. You’ve spent enough time around my sister to know that much about her.” He chuckled lightly then as they began to walk back toward the hall. “Kai may be a sweet thing, and she may appear to be an innocent bystander to those that do not know her. But much of the pack fears her for good reason. Hell, I’m certain many of the men in the pack are afraid of her more than our dear brother.” He laughed lightly. “Though…I can’t imagine Rhett making such a stupid offer. I’m nearly certain that Peter must have made up a lie of some sort…” He shook his head and gazed to her.
As they walked forward he ran his thumb along the backside of her hand. “Do you think that Baron guy seems honest enough?” He questioned curiously after a moment. “I’m a big brother.” He smirked. “I worry about my little sister all of the time.” He turned his gaze back forward as they continued walking along. “It would be nice to see her have a mate. She’s never settled for anyone. She’s quite particular and by particular I mean…she won’t allow any wolf to be her mate because a lot of men believe they are above the women. In the old ways, yes…that was the case. But not anymore. Rhett has broken many of the old rules…and it has made our pack stronger.” He drew in a breath as they entered the town. His eyes gazed about carefully.
**
Kai shook her head and giggled lightly, “Oh no darling. He has been swooning over her since he met her. Soon enough they will be I’m sure of it.” She gazed up to him a smirk upon her lips. “The marking are quite unique aren’t they?” She asked with a smile, “It’s mesmerizing in a way.” She looked forward as they walked along. “Intimidating?” She laughed lightly. “Hm, it should feel as if it is an honor to run with the alpha and his blood. Then again our hunt is different. Our pack does not strike at one another like other packs do when they run in a hunt. Why hurt each other? We are supposed to be a family.” She offered the words and then paused in her thoughts as they reached the gates.
“Oh…” She stepped forward to the pillar and gazed up to it. She reached up and touched the dried blood and tilted her head. “I’ve never seen anything like it…” She continued to stare at it. “No, we normally don’t have any trouble at all…our pack does well not to make enemies where it isn’t warranted. We’ve brought many packs together. Other packs don’t dare to walk into our territory because of how vast our pack has become.” She was speaking quickly now though her words still slurred.
When he offered to stay Kai looked to him a grin split her lips. “I would adore spending more time with you, Baron.” She chuckled. “I’m sure Armin will appreciate you staying as well.” She walked up the steps. “Come on then.” She spoke as she pushed the front door open. “Do you want anything to drink?” She asked as she walked through the home. The candles burned dimly within the home giving the perfect amount of light. She walked into the kitchen and lit the lanterns and poured herself a glass of water. “You can opt for anything but water if you’d like.” She giggled lightly. She then sat down on one of the stools at the counter and looked to him as she leaned against the countertop. “Aside from the bloody threat on the front of our home, it’s quite charming. Don’t you think?” She smiled as she gazed about the kitchen. “It’s been in our family for centuries.” She took a drink of her water and then looked to him with a smirk. “I’m certain you’re not interested in history lessons about the Odoras family.” She took another drink of her glass.
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Post by Nyte on May 23, 2021 23:24:56 GMT -5
Willow glanced over her shoulder as she thought back to Baron. He seemed nice enough, even had a sense of humor. The bigger question was if he was going to be able to keep up with Kai. "I think she'll be fine. He seemed earnest in his intentions. If he meant her harm I don't think he would have been able to look you in the eye the way he did." She offered to give Armin a bit of comfort about the situation.
"You worry too much sometimes." She told him. "I love that about you but this time I think you've placed concern where it's not warranted." She giggled and gently nudged him with her shoulder. "Besides, you've got another problem on your hands you should worry about." She flashed him a mischievous grin and suddenly gave him a firm push to throw him off his balance. "Like me beating you back to the hall!" She called back as she took off running down the street.
***
"A family.." Baron muttered to himself quietly. It was a strange concept to him. In his experience family had blood ties and packs were simply partners in a hunt. People you were supposed to count on to defend you from outside threats, though that mean little when it came from threats within. Infighting and quarrels were common place and absolutely expected. It was one of the reasons he hadn't batted an eye when Kai was so angry with Rhett over the supposed agreement that had taken place.
The symbol upon the pillar had earned quite a bit of concern. He supposed Armin and Willow would be reporting it to the alpha when they delivered the medicine to his mate. So there was a good chance he might get to meet the alpha before the sun rose over the horizon. Their brief greeting in the orchard hadn't been a proper introduction when he came to collect Kai.
"History has always intrigued me." Baron told Kai as she explained a bit about the house. "My family has no such claims to their name. Perhaps they did at one point but it was long ago that no one remembers it." He stated with a slight shrug before taking a seat next to her at the counter. "Did your brother really say he was going to give you away to this other wolf? I've heard of arranged marriages but they're rare. Reserved for those of high status.. which in this case I suppose would absolutely apply." He scratched the side of his cheek in thought for a moment. "Would a challenger be able to intervene even if the deal was struck?"
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 23, 2021 23:48:35 GMT -5
Armin gazed to her and gave a warm smile as she spoke of Baron. It was true he had looked Armin in the eye when she spoke. “Oh?” He chuckled as she nudged his shoulder. “Perhaps one day when I worry too much you’ll be thankful for it. It’s gotten my family out of a lot of trouble.” He smirked to her. Though when she spoke of the other problem he looked confused until she shoved him. Armin stumbled and let out a laugh. “You think you will beat me?” He rushed forward after her and when he caught up to her after a few moments he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her from behind. He chuckled playfully and kissed the side of her cheek. “I almost didn’t catch you in time.” He looked to the hall and then laughed as he listened to the music from inside.
He turned her in his arms and smiled down to her for a long moment. “Let’s get this draught to Rose hm?” He smirked to her before he walked into the hall. Armin walked up the stairs where Rose sat alone. She gazed down to the party and watched as everyone danced about. “Ah, we come bearing gifts, Rose.” Armin spoke as he held the vial forward toward her. He took a seat and looked to the glass of wine upon the table that he knew must have been Kai’s. “Where’s Rhett?” He questioned curiously then.
Rose took the vial and downed in swiftly, she winkled her nose and fought back the urge to spit out the medicine. She quickly chased it down with a bit of wine. “Rhett didn’t like what I had to say, I’m certain he is sulking somewhere.” She smirked to Armin.
“Was it about Kai? She isn’t happy about this arranged marriage…” Armin questioned.
Rose looked to Willow and then back to Armin. “Yes, it was. I told him it wasn’t wise for him to make such decisions behind her back like that. He didn’t like my response.” She stood from her seat and stepped over to the balcony. She waved down to Rhett whom looked up to her. The alpha nodded and started through the crowd to join them. “Kai is a sweet girl. But, Rhett is stuck in an awkward position that the council has placed him in.” Rose drew in a breath. “Politically it is the best move that he could possibly make. There will be more wolves than ever that fight for our pack. So he didn’t just make a rash decision.” She gave a soft shrug. “But at the same time, Kai is his sister…and Peter…” She shook her head slightly. “I don’t believe he could keep up with Kai if he tried.” She smiled. “Ah Rhett darling.” She stepped forward and embraced the alpha.
“Feeling better already?” He smiled and kissed the top of her head. “Thank you Willow.” He smiled to her and then gazed to his brother.
Armin let out a sigh as he crossed his arms slightly. “There was a warning in blood on the pillar in front of our home.” He spoke.
Rhett drew his brows together. “What?” He questioned swiftly. “A warning of what?” He stared to his brother.
Armin looked to Willow and gave a slight nod. “It seems the Fey…sent us the warning…” He muttered softly.
The alpha drew in a long breath. He closed his eyes for a moment. “This night is supposed to be relaxing…and it has been anything but…” He grumbled. He then turned his attention to Willow. “I know you don’t…remember per say…but do you recognize the warning? Anything?” He asked as he released Rose from his grasp.
“We must protect her.” Rose spoke and glanced to Rhett. She nodded to Willow. “It must be a trick. The silverfang pack must have done this to throw us off.”
**
“If you’re interested in history we have a whole library of it.” Kai giggled lightly. She smiled to him. “Most roll their eyes when I speak of our history.” She tilted her head as she listened to him, she sipped upon her water and smile. “Well Baron, you certainly have the look of a wolf that was noble once.” She smirked and then took another drink. “He didn’t say it, but he didn’t deny it. In fact Peter came to complain about the arrangement and how difficult I am…and Rhett was irritated that Peter brought it up.” She sighed softly. “I feel like a damn princess.” She giggled as she looked to him. “A challenger?” She asked and smiled. “What are you offering to fight Peter to keep his grimy hands off of me?” Her eyes lit up with excitement at this idea. “There are rules to it, yes. You could challenge him. If you killed him I would be named your mate then.” The words felt strange coming from her mouth. She never wanted to agree to be mated. She hadn’t met the right wolf. That’s what she always told her brother at least. But she liked being her own person. She was a lot to handle and most of the wolves in the pack couldn’t’ quite handle her. "You'd have to kill him." She spoke then and watched him closely for his reaction, curiosity in her eyes.
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