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Post by Nyte on May 24, 2021 0:12:07 GMT -5
Willow laughed as she ran, somewhat awkwardly due to the shoes that Kai had loaned her, but she had just reached out to grab the door when she felt Armin's arm wrap around her and pull her back. She let out a playful scream then laughed as he kissed her cheek. "It's the shoes. I would have won if I were wearing something else or barefoot." She retorted as he turned her around to face him.
Looking up at Armin she didn't think she could be any happier than she was in that moment. Finally she was safe, loved and a living in a place she could call home. There wasn't anything else in the world she could ever want. Especially as she looked up into Armin's clear blue eyes.
"Yes, I'm sure she'll be wanting that." She agreed when he mentioned going inside. Once they found her on the balcony Willow smiled and headed upstairs with Armin. Once Rhett had joined them she simply listened to the three converse for a moment about Kai before the conversation turned to the symbol that had been left behind by the fey.
"I don't think it was the Silverfang pack. It was too clean and it's not their style to send threats no one can understand. We found a similar symbol in the book from the library too." She felt a bit of worry begin to tug on her consciousness. She didn't want to be the reason for any more threats. The Silverfangs were enough as it was. "Kai and Armin have been teaching me to defend myself as well. So hopefully I will not need as much protection in the near future. Also.." she glanced back to Armin before turning her attention to Rhett once more. "If they fey do show themselves.. I don't want anything to do with them. I'll tell them to leave me and the pack alone. I just hope they'll listen."
****
Baron seemed to simply be enjoying Kai's company as she spoke of her family and the agreement that had been made, or was being discussed. He was a bit fuzzy on the details to be honest but then again he didn't think that Kai knew all of the details either. Just enough for it to piss her off.
When Kai seemed to jump at the idea of Baron fighting Peter for her hand he couldn't help but give a bit of nervous laughter. "Bold of you to ask a stranger you only met tonight to fight off a known suitor of yours. I was asking in general if someone could challenge but.." he pause as she studied her for a moment before giving a slight smile "you'd definitely be worth fighting for."
Baron was no stranger to blood and death. The idea of being mated to someone was far more intimidating than sort of fight he might be thrown into.
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 24, 2021 0:34:03 GMT -5
“Oh the shoes huh?” Armin had chuckled before they went inside. As Willow explained the warning symbol Armin watched his brother carefully. He grinned as she mentioned the defense training. “She’ll be just as good as Kai before you know it.” He smirked playfully.
Rhett nodded and looked down from the balcony to the party. He then looked to Willow with a soft smile. “Our pack will protect you. I do hope that the fey do not wish to pick a fight with us though. Now isn’t really the time.” He laughed. “Thank you both for letting me know.”
Armin nodded and then looked to Rose. “Take it easy alright? Things should be winding down soon. Willow can make you another draught when you get home.” He smiled and then turned to Willow. “Come on.” He grasped her hand and led her away. “We have to find out as much as we can about that symbol…Rhett is going to want some answers, I could feel it.” He spoke to her as he walked along. He let her out into the silvery moonlight and he smiled as he looked to her markings appear once more. “I don’t think those will ever get old.” He spoke with a smirk. “You’re pretty quick, for running in heels you know?” He poked fun at her.
**
Kai chuckled and grinned to him playfully. She was beginning to sober up, her metabolism was burning away the alcohol quickly. “I just wanted to know what you would say.” She winked to him. “Your answer was quite nice though.” She smirked playfully. “To be quite honest if I could escape the deal altogether that is what I would like to do.” She shrugged slightly. “How about.” She slipped from her stool. “Come along darling, let me show you our library. If you love history so much you’ll actually appreciate it.” She refilled her water glass and then walked along. “That is the true benefit of immortality in my opinion. So much time to read.” She smirked to him as she walked down the hallway.
“Lucky for me my family has collected books for centuries.” She spoke as she pushed the door open. She lit the lanterns and walked about the room that was filled with the old leatherbound books. “I think we have more knowledge in this room than some of the humans have in their libraries.” She chuckled playfully. She then leaned against one of the tables as she looked to him. “So you think I would definitely be worth fighting for? A stranger you barely know?” She smirked playfully. “What makes you so certain?”
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Post by Nyte on May 24, 2021 15:00:03 GMT -5
Rhett took the news of the marking on the pillar far better than Willow had anticipated. She half expected him to want to leave and check it out for himself. However his obligation to the guests still celebrating prevented him from making such a rash decision. He would count on Armin and herself to gather the information he required and then decide how to act on it.
When Armin took her hand and began to lead her away and back downstairs she waved goodbyes to the pair and followed after Armin. Once they were outside she smiled and gave a small sigh as she felt the gentle caress of moonlight once more. "Well, I'm just glad I didn't accidentally break one of them while running. Kai would have been disappointed." She told him.
"When we get back to the manor I want to take a closer look at that symbol. I'm curious if there's something about it that might tell us more. If it's done by the fey maybe there's some sort of spell or way to communicate with them through it." There was also the factor of not knowing who's blood had been spilled in creating the mark. They would need to find out quickly.
***
Baron grinned, somewhat relieved that she didn't actually want him to fight for her hand. It wasn't that he was expressly against the idea but it definitely wasn't something he had signed up for in traveling here. When she beckoned him to follow her, leading him through the house and into the library, he glanced up and admired the towering shelves of books. The air smelled of paper, leather and dust. Just as any good library should.
"I have a good sense about people. Not to mention you have some fire to you. It's a trait I find admirable in women. Too many are only concerned with finding a mate to further their status or their family. Of course I've never been in a position that would warrant such a woman's attention." He shrugged and brought his eyes back down to Kai. "If there was a challenger, and this Peter guy was defeated, what's to say that the man who fought for your hand can't give you the choice accept his offer? You said there are rules, but would you truly not have any say in the matter?"
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 24, 2021 15:30:29 GMT -5
Armin drew in a breath as he looked down to her, “I would have been sure to tell Rose it was my fault.” He chuckled lightly. “She stood to protect you rather quickly. You saving her life has brought out a completely different side of her. The vulnerability that she was forced to show when she nearly died…I think the idea of her being saved by you caused her to realize that she had no reason to act in the way that she’s always acted toward us.” He shrugged slightly. “Then again if you were not with us, she would have died…” He smiled to her and then gazed up to the moon.
“Perhaps you are correct. It would be helpful if we could converse with them in some fashion. I imagine that they sense your magic. You’ve never been allowed to walk in the moonlight, you said it yourself. I’m certain that your Alpha did this on purpose. Just as I can sense a wolf when he transforms if I am within close enough proximity. Perhaps they can feel your magic?” He questioned curiously. A chuckle came over his lips then. “Or maybe I am making up reasonings.” He shrugged. “I need to locate the lycan that they used to create the marking…I’m curious who it is that they have killed…or maybe it wasn’t a wolf at all…perhaps they used magic to confuse my sense?” Armin rambled on as they walked and he let out a long sigh as they approached the main gate of the manor.
**
Kai thumbed through a few of the books as Baron spoke. She glanced to him a smirk upon her lips, “I’ve been told my fire is more of a blaze at times.” She chuckled lightly. “I’m a bit much for most to handle, I’ll admit that. I’m well aware.” She pulled a book and blew the dust from the cover as she walked over and set it upon the table. “There may be a rule somewhere.” She spoke as she flipped the pages open. It was an old book that was fashioned ages ago. It had the seal of her pack upon the cover of the book. “However, it is up to the council and the Alpha to decide.” She spoke as she flipped through the pages. “Ah, here we are.” She pointed to a paragraph. “Those appointed in marriage by the pack Alpha shall not refuse the offer. It is a pact that is to be challenged only by a duel to the death. The winner will take the hand of the bride to be as his own mate.” She mumbled as she continued reading through the passage. She blew her hair from her eyes and then sighed and shook her head.
“Unfortunately there isn’t anything in here about my own decision. Rhett hasn’t altered this text yet. There are many traditions that still follow the old ways. The women of the pack ages ago were nothing more than that of a status. You were required to find your mate by a certain age.” She rolled her eyes. “especially if you were within a family of high standing.” She stared to the page and let out another sigh. “If politically my brother has his hands tied there isn’t much that I will be able to do. The councilmen that is Peter’s father has plenty of wolves to back him. He has been upon the council since before I was born. The only reason he isn’t alpha is because he is too much of a coward to challenge any of the previous Alphas. But he does use his council position to rule in his own way.” She scoffed and shook her head. “Peter is full of the old ideals from his father. There are still many that view the old traditions as what we should always follow. Even my brother changing our hunt to include only those that would deserve a death. Well the first few years of that many complained. But now the pack has grown to look forward to finding the filth of the city in the weeks leading up to the hunt.” Kai smirked and gazed to Baron. “Apologies, more history lessons you didn’t ask for.” She laughed lightly.
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Post by Nyte on Jun 2, 2021 14:35:53 GMT -5
"When we get to the gate I want to stop and take a closer look at the glyph. Perhaps I can discern something about it.. somehow." Willow had no idea on how she might be able to learn anything about the glyph. She still didn't understand how her powers worked in the slightest, but perhaps it would just come to her like healing Rose had.
"If they can feel my magic I wonder why I can't feel theirs. It makes sense that would be a two way street. Or maybe they're just better at hiding it than I am. I have no idea what I'm doing after all." She offered and gave a slight shrug.
As they approached the manor Willow held in a small breath and slowly released it as she rounded the corner where the blood stained pillar stood. At least it was on the inside so the townsfolk couldn't readily see it from down the road once morning came. The crisp, clean lines of the symbol were still exactly as they had been the first time and as she drew closer she noticed that the symbol had been placed in such a manner that they avoided any of the bigger cracks or breaks in the stone. It was more like a stamp than a drawing.
"I wonder if.." Willow began to say as she reached out to touch the edge of the marking. Once her fingers made contact with it though a dim red light began to glow along the middle of the symbol and radiated outwards towards the edges. It only took a matter of seconds before the entire symbol was glowing dimly. Willow pulled her hand back and glanced back to Armin before looking to the symbol once more. From the symbol a red line shot down to the ground and began to snake along the ground, around the pillar and then shooting out towards the trees and darkness surrounding the village.
"Let's follow it!" Willow stated with a look of excitement then began to jog alongside the line, letting it lead her to an unknown destination. As she followed it the red line disappeared so that no one else would be able to follow in their footsteps.
****
As Kai thumbed through the old book and read the old law from it's pages Baron listened intently. When she failed to find a loop hole he had suggested he gave a soft sigh. "Well, give him your hand then rip his throat out all in one fell swoop." He suggested then, as if realizing just what he had said, he laughed and shook his head. "A joke of course. That.. that wouldn't be the best of ideas." He rubbed the back of his head and gave an uneasy chuckle. "Why not challenge for your own hand?" He offered, still trying to think of ways for her to get out of it without him trying to force her to marry him instead.
"History lessons have never bothered me. I rather enjoy them. Every pack is so different as well it's interesting to see just what they consider to be basic ideals versus others." He shrugged. "In my pack there were two ways to get a mate. Either he and she agree on the union or he has to fight her into submission. Never an easy thing but I've seen it done a couple of times."
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 2, 2021 17:28:19 GMT -5
Armin nodded as he listened to Willow, “I do hope that you can make something of it.” He shook his head slightly as a sigh came over his lips. He glanced to her as she spoke of her magic, his brow raised slightly. “Perhaps you just need to learn control of it. Just like…a lycan that is turned…” He bit his lip slightly. “When one grows up with their wolf, it feels like second nature. Those that are turned…that is a whole different story. They give in to the animalistic nature…and that is how the horrible legends of our kind were born.” He walked up to the pillar with Willow and crossed his arms slightly as he watched her examine it.
As she reached forward Armin’s brows furrowed a moment as he watched the red glow overtake the symbol. “Willow…” He breathed, his expression almost fearful. He watched as the line snaked to the ground. The excitement in Willow’s voice caused Armin to lift his crystal hues to her. “Willow wait.” He chased after her. “What if this is a trap?” He continued to follow along. He didn’t want her to get hurt. That was the only thought on his mind as he glanced behind them to see that the trail was disappearing as they followed the red glow.
**
Kai looked up to him and tilted her head slightly as he spoke of merely ripping Peter’s throat out. Though before she could speak he had chuckled and brushed it off as a joke. It hadn’t seemed like that much of a joke as he’d spoken it. She gazed to him with curious eyes. “Me challenge?” She chuckled, a smirk curved up her lips. “There isn’t a rule that states that I couldn’t.” She gazed back to the book, a smirk still upon her lips. “Though I am certain that in the old council book there is a rule against it. Otherwise why wouldn’t it have been done in the past?”
She sighed and lifted her eyes to look to him once again as he spoke of his pack. She raised a brow slightly. “Sounds a bit brutish, don’t you think?” She questioned as she closed the old tome of rules. She ran her fingertips over the leather cover. “All of the stories of other packs that I have heard have made me…sad…” She nodded slightly. “The way that the alphas of other packs run the pack…” She clicked her tongue. “Our pack is much different than the aggressive nature of other packs. Like….the Silverfang pack for instance.” She smirked slightly. “Savage beasts. If you haven’t heard of them.” She turned and placed the book back upon the shelf. “I’ve had a run in or two with members of their pack and each one I’ve encountered…” She shook her head. “I do wish that we could get through to their Alpha…it would be helpful for them to see what it is like to live within a peaceful pack. I’ve only heard the rumors of the bloodshed that happens each day in that pack.” She shuddered slightly as she stepped back to Baron’s side. “But we aren’t here to talk about that hm?” She smirked slightly.
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Post by Nyte on Jun 3, 2021 1:05:28 GMT -5
"I don't think it's a trap." Willow told him over her shoulder as she continued to following the snaking lighting through the trees. Over stumps, fallen branches, through brush and undergrowth. A few times Willow felt the branches reach out and nip at her exposed flesh, as she was still wearing the rather formal gown from Kai, but she ignored the familiar sting and pressed on. "If it were a trap.. well let's just say I don't think that it is. Especially not from the Silverfangs. It's far to elaborate for their more brutish methods." She offered and glanced back to offer Armin a reassuring smile.
Willow continued to follow the trail for several hundred yards until they came to a break in the trees and it opened up into a small clearing that was illuminated by moon and star light. The markings along her skin still glowed brightly as the silver light caressed her. "The light stopped here..." She said in a voice barely above a whisper as she stared out across the field where three other figures stood staring back at them. "Armin.. do you think that they're.." She began to ask just as the three began to walk towards them and Willow suddenly felt her shy nature grip her once more.
Taking a half step back she wrapped her arm around Armin's and pressed herself close to his side. She wasn't necessarily afraid of these individuals but she worried that they would not necessarily be friendly either. What if they were her kind but were disappointed by what they saw before them or decided to abandon her all over again after meeting her? It was a lot to suddenly fall on her shoulders.
"Evening..." One of them stated, a man looking to be in his late forties but still very full of strength and life. He bore no such markings as Willow did but didn't seem surprised by hers either as his eyes studied her for a moment. "We did not expect you to bring.. company." He stated.
"Why would you bring a wolf with you?" Another of the three snapped. A younger woman with a scowl for an expression as she stared up at Armin accusingly.
"I.. I didn't know what I would find at the end of the light.. and Armin is the only person who had ever looked out for me so of course I wanted him to come." Willow said in defense though her voice was weak in comparison to the others.
The man looked back to his female companion with a hard look then sighed before turning back towards Willow and Armin with a polite smile. "So it is true that one of our kind has taken up residence with a lycan clan. Though I'm afraid that for theft of one of our children, no matter how many years ago, the actions cannot go unpunished." He glanced to Willow, who still held onto Armin, and then back to Armin himself. "So tell me lycan. Was it you who stole the baby from our village?" He asked then glanced to Willow.
(Feel free to control any of the three)
*****
"Ay, I've heard of the Silverfangs. Those who live by the wolf instead of through the rational of man." He shrugged. "I've met a couple of their members. They're always... how do you put it.. arrogant." He chuckled. "They think there's nothing better than the hunt and will kill for the opportunity to hunt every chance they get. Humans stray away from their lands because of whispers of monsters and a cursed forest. They're rumors aren't far from the truth I'm afraid." He told Kai and glanced around the library once more.
As she stepped closer to him once more Baron brought his gaze back down to focus on her with a raised eyebrow and a curious expression. "I believe we came to the library to discuss history? Or am I grossly misinterpreting things?" He knew that the alcohol wouldn't have its hold on the she wolf for that long. Even now she was speaking much more clearly than she had been when they arrived. Had he missed something? He kind of hoped he had and there was some sort of reward for him for escorting her home, but he wasn't going to risk too much. Besides her brother returning home, either of them, if he were such engaged with the woman would not spell good tidings for him.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 3, 2021 9:42:37 GMT -5
Armin drew in a breath as he looked to Willow. “I’ll just hope that you’re right. But either way, I’m not going to allow you to get hurt, Willow.” He spoke as he kept pace with her. “No, you’re right, the Silverfangs wouldn’t know how to perform such elaborate magics. Most packs don’t even have a magic user among them, it’s a rare thing.” He fell quiet as he moved quickly with her until the light suddenly stopped at the edge of a clearing. His eyes were already on the three that stood across the field from them. “They aren’t wolves.” He spoke in response to her. He wrapped his arm around her and held her in a protective nature. “Don’t worry.” He whispered as he felt her press her body against his.
Armin’s crystal hues studied the three that approached. He raised his brows slightly and tilted his head as he noticed that they did not hold the same beautiful markings that Willow held upon her skin. Perhaps this was a control thing, to be able to hide it was true control? Armin gave a bit of a forced smile as the older male of the group spoke; he must have been the leader of the three. He nodded to him, but he stayed silent. Though his eyes flicked to the young woman as her voice broke the peace of the air. His muscles tensed slightly; his eyes changed from blue to golden as the wolf within him clawed at the surface. Though as he heard the timid voice of Willow his brows pulled together, and a look of concern came over his expression. He gazed down to her and as he did his eyes melted back to the crystal blue. He drew in a breath as he listened to her soft voice, the fear. The same timid voice she had used only days prior with him.
The lycan lifted his hues to look to the leader of the group. He stood with confidence as he held Willow close to his body. His brows rose slightly as the man spoke of the kidnapping of the child from their village. His eyes looked down to Willow. He gave a slow nod, “I can only imagine what turmoil it brought your family and your people to have a child taken away in such a way.” He looked to the three carefully. “It was not my pack that took your child. The Blackridge pack is known quite well for supporting the fey years ago. You may recognize the name Augustus Odoras….he was my grandfather…he gave his life to protecting the Fey.” Armin drew in a breath. “I found Willow in the market at the hands of another Lycan. He meant to cause her harm, as the pack that stole her from you has always done for the past 50 years…” His brows furrowed. “I wish nothing more than to protect her from that. I did not even know her nature when I saw her. I saw an abused woman that needed help…when I discovered what she truly is…my want to protect her only grew.”
Armin gave a gentle squeeze to her, “If it is revenge that you seek, our pack will be at your side to repay the Silverfang pack that took her from you. Things such as this should not happen. Your kind should not have to hide from the greed of this world.” His voice was strong. Armin was meant to be a leader. The way he spoke, the way he held himself. Yet he was overshadowed by Rhett. But he never minded it. “So, tell me…what does this mean? I know that she could very well be in danger. It is my responsibility to protect her, and I will do that. I’ll give my life if I must.”
**
Kai watched Baron as he spoke of the Silverfang pack. Her crystal hues were curious. She smirked, her normal playful smile, “Arrogant is almost a kind word to use. Don’t you think?” She raised a brow as she followed his eyes around the library. She stood and crossed her arms over her chest as she looked to him, a smile still upon her lips. “See? Beasts of the forest. Cursed.” She scoffed. “Our kind are not cursed.” She shook her head. “What we become, is beautiful. When a lycan truly has control, it is a beautiful thing. When our kind can live comfortably among humans without the humans even knowing of our existence…isn’t that a lovely thing?” She stood in front of him, quite close now.
“If you want to be such a bore to simply speak on history. Of course. We can speak of history.” Kai giggled slightly, she could almost feel an uncomfortable nature to him as she had stepped closer to him, her eyes gazed up into his. “But that may put me to sleep.” She grinned to him as she searched his eyes. Kai reached forward and cupped his cheek. She ran her thumb along the scar that ran across his cheek. “But if that’s what you wish.” She spoke with a smirk upon her lips. “So be it.” She gazed into his eyes a long moment. It was a strange thing to her to have a lycan that didn’t simply beg for her attention. It made Baron interesting to her, it made him mysterious. She’d never truly felt such an interest in a lycan before. Sure she’d had her flings over the years, but it was just that…nothing more. Kai leaned forward and pressed her lips against his cheek. “What history do you wish to ask?” She spoke, she hadn’t moved away from him in this moment. Was she tempting him? To see what he would do…? Another giggle came over her lips after a moment she leaned back and placed her hands upon his chest as she had when they danced together. “I’m certain I have a book on just about everything.” She smirked to him, her eyes playful.
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Post by Nyte on Jun 4, 2021 0:25:41 GMT -5
The leader of the group watched carefully as Willow pressed herself into Armin's side the protective manner the wolf presented himself over the woman. As he spoke of Augustus Odoras however there was a flicker of recognition that flashed in all of their eyes as their gazes bore into him. "Augustus.. is the reason we have moved into hiding." The man finally spoke after a long pause.
"He is the one who betrayed our kind and caused many of our kin to be killed. Then.." The woman snapped then looked to Willow. "One of our infants was taken a few years later because of that.. monster." She was obviously very passionate about the subject and looked as if she wanted to simply snatch Willow away and run back to disappear among the trees.
"Mina, enough." The older man snapped. The third individual, a young man who had been completely silent up until this point but had yet to remove his eyes from Willow, simply continued to stare. "Augustus did not mean for these things to happen. He simply choose the wrong lycans to trust and it ended with a battle between our kind and our withdraw from the world." He offered Armin. "Your grandfather did indeed give his life to protect us but in the end it simply wasn't enough."
The third fey, who had been still and silent thus far moved to walk behind the leader, gently shoved Mina, the rather feisty woman, to the side and stepped up to Willow. He glanced at Armin, giving a small, reassuring smile and gently reached out to brush his fingers against Willow's cheek where the softly glowing marks still showed on her skin. "I didn't believe my parents for the longest time, but I can actually see it now with my own two eyes." He whispered softly before markings along his own skin began to glow along his brow, cheeks and down his arms. The pattern matched Willow's exactly. Not a single line out of place.
The older man sighed, his shoulders dropping a bit. "I think we have a lot to discuss. I choose this remote area because I was not sure what your pack would be like. Would we be welcomed to speak with you and your family within your home?" He asked Armin.
Willow had nearly flinched away from the man when he reached out to touch her but as she saw the markings begin to light up on his own skin she was struck with awe that prevented her from moving away. She did not release her hold on Armin but her green hues focused on the man before her with wonder.
****
Baron was trying his best not to react to Kai's tempting words. The way she moved closer to him and how her blue eyes seemed to lock on and see right through him. When he had first heard of the woman and started his way here he hadn't imagined that she would be quite this... enrapturing. Of course he didn't want to bore her to sleep with talks of history but he wasn't sure what he could do. He felt like he was being tested and he had no time to study before hand. Once she placed her lips against his cheek his hands reflexively slipped around her waist to the small of her back.
His wolf was practically fighting to get out. His instincts running wild at this point, but he was a born wolf and he could control his wild side very well.
Pulling her close he leaned down and softly brushed his nose along her cheek and down the side of her neck. A smile curved up his lips as he inhaled her scent and felt the warmth of her body against his. "Is there a book here that tells me how to read your mind?" He whispered softly in her ear.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 4, 2021 18:46:50 GMT -5
Armin straightened slightly, his brows furrowed as the young woman snapped blaming his grandfather for what happened to them. His crystal hues melted to the honey golden color, his jaw tightened. He was anticipating their attack. His eyes locked on the young woman. He could feel his fangs within his mouth, his wolf was clawing at the surface, begging to take care of this threat that stood before him. His breathing had quickened slightly, his grip upon Willow remained firm and reassuring. As the older fey interrupted the younger woman his golden hues moved to him but moved back to the younger woman as he listened.
Clearly it was the younger fey that held a grudge. “Well…” He spoke as he drew in a long breath, “I do not wish to follow the same path as my grandfather if he failed you as miserably as you say. I only know what little information he wrote down. Of course he stopped journaling when things became disheveled.” Though as the third fey stepped forward his eyes gazed to the man, the golden color almost seemed to glow in the silvery light of the moon. His brows remained narrowed as he watched the fey touch Willow. “It’s alright.” He whispered into her ear. He watched with curiosity now, the golden color faded from his eyes and the crystal blue returned. “What…didn’t you believe?” Armin questioned curiously as he looked to the matching markings. The exact match. It was incredible, almost as if the fey was mirroring Willow.
Armin’s eyes moved to the older Fey. He thought for a moment and drew in a breath. “Of course you would be…however…” He tilted his head slightly. “My sister was walking home with a wolf that I do not know. I’m not certain of my trust in a stranger.” He raised a brow slightly. “But we do have the lake house, if you would feel comfortable speaking there. It isn’t far, no one would bother us there.” He gave a nod. He glanced to Willow, “If you would be alright with that as well, Willow. These are your people. I’m certain they have much to offer you…”
**
Kai smirked and a chuckle came over her lips as he had placed his hands upon her waist. She gazed up into his eyes as she leaned against him, she could see the fight in him. She tilted her head to the side, exposing her neck to him, a smile upon her lips all the while. As he whispered into her ear, she felt a shiver run down her spine. Kai grinned to him, “Oh dear Baron, don’t you think if there was a book on such a thing that all the members of the pack would be fighting over it?” She pushed her hands against his chest to push him back slightly, her crystal hues once again bore into his. “Even my own brothers cannot read my mind and they have both known me since I was a pup.”
Kai traced along his collar and then along his jaw. She cupped his cheek once again. This is exactly where Kai got the temptress name from Rose. She certainly knew the buttons to press, the way to speak, how to act. Kai giggled as she watched Baron. “Truth is…” She leaned close to him, her lips just inches from his. “I burned it a long time ago. I cannot have anyone reading my mind. It’s more fun this way.” She pressed her lips to his then. Kai pulled back after a moment, a smirk upon her lips, though her arms stayed wrapped loosely around his neck. “Wouldn’t it be boring if you could read my mind?” She raised a brow.
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Post by Nyte on Jun 4, 2021 19:57:29 GMT -5
As the younger man stood in front of Willow the older man gave a soft sigh. "Whichever you suggest." He told Armin when he offered up the lake house instead of the main house. If there was someone there he didn't trust he didn't want to risk unnecessary exposure. "Come on Theo, we'll talk and explain everything once we get to a safer place." He told the younger man and placed a hand upon his shoulder. "For now, hide yourself." He told him to which Theo nodded and the markings upon his face and arms began to fade out of view once more.
Willow nodded when Armin asked if she would be alright with going to another location besides the main house. She hadn't been to the lake house yet but it honestly didn't matter. She wanted to know more about these people. Even if it didn't feel as if they were "her" people. More like distant relatives that had never bothered to try and meet her. As they made their way away from the clearing and towards the lake house Willow continued to hold onto Armin. It was strange for the other three to see one of their own clinging so tightly to a wolf, but none made any remarks towards them.
Once they arrived at the property and were safely inside the three glanced around, seemingly checking that they were in fact alone, before they relaxed. "My name is Drake." The older man stated. "I am one of our village elders and volunteered to seek out Willow here when we became aware of her location within your pack." He explained. "Mina is my daughter and Theo here.. well he's actually related to Willow."
"Related?" Theo asked and furrowed his brow. "Willow and I are twins." He stated. "It's the reason our markings are identical."
The surprise was very evident on Willow's expression as she heard that not only did she have family but a twin brother. She had always wondered about what her parents must have been like but never had she considered that she might have siblings. "Twins?" She asked with a tone of disbelief.
"Every fey's markings are different." Mina explained and let her own markings begin to show. They were very different from Willow's. They were in the same places but the patterning was more like vines and flowers than like the flow of stars and constellations like Willow's. "Except for twins, which are incredibly rare within our people. It's said that twins are only born once every millennia or so. Their magic is a little different as well. Though exactly how different we're not sure cause it's so rare."
****
Baron chuckled when Kai denied such a book existing because she had burned it. "I don't know about boring.. I have a feeling that your mind is something someone like me would quickly become lost in the depths of." He whispered back. The kiss had set his blood on fire, and hadn't lasted nearly long enough. She had quickly started to test his will power and he knew that the longer he stayed wrapped up in her arms that he would slowly begin to lose what little grip he had on his wolf in that moment.
He tightened his grip on her waist and stepped into her, causing him to press her gently into the wall next to one of the bookshelves. "You are testing me, Kai." He half whispered, half growled into her ear. "I've never been good at tests." He told her with a smirk and leaned down to press his lips against hers once more.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 4, 2021 20:31:46 GMT -5
Armin gave a nod, “The lake house would be most discreet.” He looked to Willow and then to the one that the older man called Theo. He watched curiously as the identical markings disappeared. So it was something of a control, much like the wolf that lived within Armin. Without control he would have changed into his lycan form. But years of experience, he had perfect control over it. Armin kept a look out, his eyes moved about the trees, the shadows, he listened to every movement of the forest as they made their way to the lake house. Though he did not speak. He looked to the three fey that walked along with them. He wanted to trust them, but in the same notion, he couldn’t. Not yet.
Armin found the key to the door and pushed it open. The lake house was quiet. Secluded within the cove of the lake. He often found himself here, to get away from the politics of the pack. Armin lit a few lanterns and then he looked to the man that introduced himself as Drake. His brows furrowed slightly, he had his arm wrapped loosely around Willow. “Twins…” He spoke, his jaw loosened slightly. He gazed to Willow the surprise in her expression matched his own.
He looked to Mina as she explained the markings, “How interesting…” He spoke and rose a brow slightly. “Do tell me, how did you come to know of her location? Is it because she was finally given enough freedom to unlock her powers? The Silverfang pack…” He grit his teeth slightly. “They kept her locked away, a slave really…” He sighed softly. He looked to the three and then to Willow, his grip loosened on her a bit more. “What else…should…she know?” He asked curiously.
**
Kai had a playful look about her eyes. “Oh? Would you truly want to become lost in the depth of my mind.” She smirked to him. “Sounds quite dangerous. Don’t you think?” As his grip tightened around her Kai’s eyes did not move from his. She allowed him to move her, she didn’t push back. She took a step back and leaned her back against the wall, a brow raised slightly. “Testing you?” She turned her head toward him slightly as she chuckled. She took in a breath, her arms tightened around his neck as she gazed into his eyes. When he leaned down an pressed his lips against hers she accepted the kiss with her own response that was full of fire. After a moment Kai pulled back and cupped his cheek once again, her crystal hues gazed up into his, a smirk upon her lips. “I think you’re quite good at tests, Baron. Don’t lie.” She moved her hand around and leaned in for another kiss. She knew exactly what she was doing. There was no doubt about it. However, Kai also found herself enthralled by Baron, for whatever reason. Be it the wine she had had. Or perhaps the idea that she was to soon lose her freedom when she was married off to Peter. The thought of it made her want to break every single rule of the pack.
“Kai.” A voice came from the open door of the library.
Kai opened her eyes as she leaned back from the kiss. “Brother.” She spoke, a smile upon her lips.
Rhett stood with a bit of a frustrated expression, his brows tugged together. “Dear sister, who might this be?” He questioned as his eyes fell upon the man that held his sister in his arms. His eyes narrowed slightly.
Kai chuckled as she leaned up and kissed Baron’s cheek. “You passed.” She whispered, “Don’t worry.” She ran her fingertips along his chest as she walked away from him. “This is Baron.” She looked to Baron. “And Baron, this is my brother, the pack Alpha Rhett.” She walked over to her brother as Rose walked around the corner.
“Oh Baron is it?” Rhett spoke his eyes still upon the man. He looked to his sister then, “Peter is waiting for you in the foyer. You wouldn’t want to keep him waiting.”
The smile upon Kai’s face instantly flattened. “Oh? Wouldn’t I?” her eyes melted to the beautiful golden honey color.
“No, I believe you don’t want to keep him waiting.” Rose spoke. “Come dear.” She stepped forward. “Don’t.” She looked into Kai’s eyes. “Please.” She whispered to her.
Kai grit her teeth as she glared to her brother. If anyone else received such a look they would most certainly fear for their own life. She drew in a breath and glanced back to Baron. She forced a smile, “I’ll see you soon.” She spoke as she allowed Rose to lead her from the room.
Rhett watched his sister leave; he clicked his tongue slightly and then shoved his hands into the pockets of his pants. “I owe you an apology for my sister’s behavior.” He spoke as he looked to Baron. “I also owe you a thank you. I imagine you got her home safely. There’s no telling what trouble she may have gotten herself into without an escort.” He nodded his head and sucked in a breath. “So…” His emerald hues focused in on Baron. “I imagine you’re sniffing around my sister for a reason. What might that be?” He asked, “She’s been promised to another pack mate. So, I do not imagine you realize the consequences of your actions, had we not interrupted you.” His eyes seared into Baron then. “But, I almost guarantee Kai spoke of no such promises. So I do not aim to hold it against you, Baron. I do not run my pack that way. We are fair here.” He nodded and then fell silent to wait for the lycan to speak.
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Post by Nyte on Jun 5, 2021 0:36:25 GMT -5
Willow stared at Theo with amazement. She had family, living family and he was standing right in front of her. "Are... are our parents still alive?" Willow asked him in a soft voice. She hoped so but then again if they were alive.. why wouldn't they have come? Surely they would have wanted to meet their long lost daughter? "I'm sorry I had hoped that I had family but I was told.. I was told that I was sold to the Silverfang pack and that no one had wanted me." There was a twinge of pain her voice as she recounted what she had been told since she was a small child. It was the reason she had never bothered to run from the Silverfangs. No one else would want her, or at least that's what she had been lead to believe.
"Our mother is alive, but sick. She couldn't come with us and our father died many years ago." Theo told her with a gentle tone. "Mother wanted to come to see if it was really you that had been found, but her illness keeps her in bed." He explained.
"How is she sick? What is the matter with her?" Willow asked. Perhaps if she could get to the woman she could heal her the way she had healed Rose. Those that had been physical injuries not an illness.
"There's an illness that can afflict our people called the wither, but we'll talk more about that later." Theo told her and placed a reassuring hand upon her shoulder.
When Drake and Mina heard that Willow had been kept as a slave they gave Armin hard, angry looks. Not at him but the situation one of their kin had been forced into. "There is a coming of age event that occurs with each fey when they are old enough and have gained enough of their power. Perhaps the freedom from her captors finally allowed that to happen for Willow and we all sensed it, as we do every time a fey comes of age. Theo hit his coming of age over thirty years ago and when we didn't feel his sibling's we assumed she had died." Drake explained.
"She needs to return with us. We can take her home, where she belongs." Mina stated and looked to Willow. "Fey do not belong in the world with lycans and humans anymore." She said in a firm voice.
"I'm not leaving." Willow immediately retorted to Mina's statement. "Armin and his family saved me and I could never leave them like that.." she glanced up to Armin. "Nor would I want to."
****
Baron had been so focused on Kai that he hadn't heard the sounds of footsteps approaching from the door. When he heard the sound of Rhett's voice though he immediately cursed himself internally for being so careless. He stepped back from Kai and let his hands drop to his sides from around her waist and faced the Alpha with his eyes cast downwards and gave a shallow bow to the man. He only raised his eyes when he heard Rhett mention that Peter was waiting for Kai in the foyer. He found it odd that Peter would follow the alpha back home just to say goodnight to a woman who clearly wanted nothing to do with him, even if he had been promised her hand.
"No apology is required." Baron told Rhett. "Kai is very.. charming to say the least." He offered. He didn't want to place blame on Kai for their actions, he knew full well what he was doing but he would continue to let Rhett think he knew nothing of the engagement. Blatant disregard for the agreement, even if Baron was not apart of their pack, would not place him in good graces with the alpha.
"I was heading back to the inn for the night when I came across Kai, still rather tipsy from wine, and offered to escort her home. Other than that I simply had asked her to dance previously because she was the most beautiful woman, who was available, that I had seen." He didn't want to claim that Kai was better than Rose. Insulting the alpha's mate was also not a wise choice. "I actually came in hopes that I might be able to join your pack. I apologize for any disrespect my actions may have brought on this evening." Baron was careful with his words, just as he had been when he spoke to Kai.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 7, 2021 15:04:36 GMT -5
Armin listened intently to Drake as he spoke about the coming of age event. “Perhaps finally feeling some form of freedom and happiness...” He furrowed his brows slightly. He was watching Willow as she spoke with her brother. He had many likenesses of her. His cheekbones, his eyes, the color of his hair. It was undeniable that he was her twin. When Mina spoke up Armin’s eyes flicked to her, his brows furrowed. He glanced to Willow as she spoke back quickly. “I’m not going to make her do anything that she doesn’t want to do...she’s had quite enough of that throughout her life. I will protect her and keep her safe, as will my pack. I won’t allow the same mistakes to be made again that were made in the past. If I could go back and fix it for you I would.” He stared to Mina. “If I could tell my grandfather not to trust that ones that betrayed our pack and your kind, I would. But the past is just that, in the past...”
A long breath came from the lycan as he thought of his words carefully. “Our pack will take action against the Silverfang pack. If you want your revenge, you’re welcome to fight at our side. But I do understand if you do not want to. This lake house can be used by you, if you would like. It is out of the way enough I feel that you should be safe. I will tell my brother of the agreement. If there is any help that you can give to Willow...” He glanced to her and gave a gentle smile. “I’m certain she would be more than happy to accept help...” He drew in a breath as he thought of the bit about her brother that Theo had stated. “If there is anything that we can do to help your mother Willow, I will do whatever it takes.”
**
Rhett studied Baron, his green hues seemed to attempt to bore into his soul. He allowed the wolf to speak, and all the while the Alpha stayed perfectly silent. After Baron finished speaking Rhett merely stared to him, his expression void of emotion for a long moment. Then the corners of his mouth began to pull into a smile and a chuckle came over his lips. “Kai is quite charming. Beautiful even.” He spoke with a smirk. “There are many wolves within our pack that would die to have a chance with her.” He began walking around, his eyes looked to the book upon the table that Kai had pulled down. He flipped through it for a moment. “I am thankful that you returned my dear sister home.” He stopped on a page and read over it for a moment.
“You’d hoped to join the pack.” He nodded his head. “It might be a bit of a distraction for my dear sister to have you within our pack, Baron. You’re the only wolf I’ve seen her give any time to. I saw you dancing with her at the party.” He chuckled lightly again. “More than once. That’s much more time than my sister allows for most lycans.” He closed the book and carried it over to the bookcase to return it to its rightful place. “If you can promise me that you won’t be a problem with Kai’s arrangement. I can place you through the trials to become inducted into our pack.” Rhett walked back around in front of Baron. “But first, we must enjoy the Harvest Festival, what more to enjoy than the thrill of the hunt?” He clapped his hand on Baron’s shoulder and grinned to him. “That’s tomorrow evening, if you are not aware.” He smirked slightly.
Rhett stepped back from him and studied him another long moment. “What exactly brings you to our pack? Poor leadership of your own pack? Famine? Disease?” He quickly questioned. “What pack is it that you have come from? I am always curious to know. The more an Alpha can know about those around him, the better he can lead his pack.” Rhett nodded slightly to his statement. “So what caused you to run away from your kin?”
Rose stepped back into the room in that moment. She closed the library door behind her and stepped forward to Rhett’s side. “He’s a lot better looking than Peter.” Rose commented and then chuckled lightly. “Baron is it?” She studied him with a bit more of a harsh gaze than Rhett. “Seems you’ve flustered Kai quite a bit.” She glanced to Rhett a smile upon her lips before she gazed back to Baron.
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Post by Nyte on Jun 7, 2021 16:25:02 GMT -5
Mina was not impressed by either Willow or Armin's response to her statement. It was obvious that the fey woman was not fond of being away from the security of her own village. Hidden away from the other races of the world. Theo simply sighed and shook his head. "I'd like for you to come back with us." He told Willow. "Even if it's only for a few days. Just to so Mother can see you before she passes."
"Any war efforts will have to be posed to the council as well and if you want the help of the fey you'll need to appeal to them yourself." Drake offered in addition. "In the mean time though, before we even head back, I want to speak with your alpha and I want to teach Willow to hide her markings. It will make it easier for her to hide among the humans." He offered.
"I'm sure Rhett would want to meet with them as well. It's late though. Perhaps, if you want to stay here for the night and rest we can have him come with us in the morning to speak." Willow told them and looked at Armin. "I need to see to Rose as well." She reminded him. "Rhett wont allow us to leave until after the hunt anyway.." She said in a small voice so only Armin could hear.
****
Baron was still internally kicking himself for allowing his wolf to get the better of him. He knew that trying to actually move in on Kai was a stupid. The way to gain and alpha's trust was not won by attempting to sleep with his little sister. "I wont be a problem." Baron replied to Rhett. Though when he asked why he wanted to leave his own pack to join theirs Baron grew quiet for a moment as his jaw tightened. Before he could answer Rhett's question Rose re-entered the room and he glanced up to the woman as she swept in and made a comment comparing he and Peter. "Yes, and I'm sorry for flustering Kai. It was not my intention." He explained to Rose.
Looking back to Rhett he tried to keep any anger he held from showing through his eyes. Not for the alpha but over the answer to his question. "I left my pack because my own sister was killed." He explained. "My pack does mating differently. Males must dominate the women they wish to marry and my sister fought back against her suitor hard enough it ended with her death." He tore his gaze away from Rhett and looked down to the ground with clinched fists. "I killed the wolf who killed her then ran." His voice grew quite. "It wasn't how a courtship challenge is supposed to go. If the woman.. if he can't pin her then he doesn't get her hand. He isn't supposed to go that far and my alpha wrote it off as an accident. That's why I did what I did and left."
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