Divided We Stand (A Packs Roleplay, OPEN and ACCEPTING)

[Mistfox]

Deinopius Rocks

Player name: hollyleafcat121
Pack: shores
Name: Ivory
Age: 7 months
Sex: female
Scent: she smells like fresh roses and sharp mint with a hint of cinnamon
Body Type: small, lean with long chest fur and tufts on her ears that are darker at the tips with a long piece of fur over her right eye and a long furred tail
Pelt color: a beautiful snowy white with black points on her legs, tail and ears
Markings: black points on tail, ears and legs
Eye Color: the exact shade of ocean blue
Other Details: jade green earrings and a silver chain necklace with a crescent moon given to her by her mother (bangs, scars, earrings, necklaces, whatever)
Personality: sweet, kind, a bit shy, loves to be helpful and very quiet but she has a spilt personality and can sometimes act fierce but not in a mean or cruel way only if someone underestimates her but she would never phiscally or mentally damage any good wolf
Likes: being helpful, friends, getting attention, security and jellewery
Dislikes: violence, wolves getting sick or injured, death and basically anything harmful in any way
Main Talent: making jellwerey (hunting, tracking, socializing, etc.)
Weak Point(s) (at least 3): socialising, hunting, fighting, trusting
Fear(s): bullies, other packs, death
Song: cool kids (optional)
History: when she was only 3 months her mother Daia was killed by a loner and ever since then the spunky overly confident pup she was evaporated and she went through depression for 2 long months and still isn’t completely healed, Ivory lost all her friends who started bullying her and then she found her mother’s necklace and it inspired her to learn how to become a jeweller and although she is still a pup Ivory practises everyday on the seashells around the shore (optional)
Desired Rank: jeweller
Current Rank: pup
Crush: none
Mate: none
Relatives and Pups: Jewel (deceased mother) Raven (older brother) (please specify)
Pic: (optional)
RP Example: Ivory snuggled closer to her mother Jewel, she wasn’t there, Ivory woke up and glanced around the den she’ll be fine Ivory decided getting back to bed but something told her to find her mother. Ivory put on her cream sheepskin cloak and lit a small lantern, Ivory then grabbed the lantern in her teeth and trotted out trying not to trip as her legs were still rather short and she didn’t exactly want to fall and risk the entire pack seeing her, suddenly a wail arose striking the air like a bolt of lightning, Ivory broke into a run, abandoning the lantern and dodging rocks and large windblown tree branches she scented the sharp acrid scent of freshly spilled blood, Ivory’s heart stopped, in front of her was her mother, lying on her side, Ivory shook her please be alive! You can’t be dead! Don’t leave me! Ivory’s shoulders shook with grief and she lifted her head a let out a low mournful howl, her mother was dead. (It is now required that, attached to your sign up, you must also write a paragraph or two of role playing. This is to see if you are literate enough to keep up with this rp, I don't want to see any chat-speak or gruesome grammar/spelling errors!)

Player name: hollyleafcat121
Pack: shores
Name: Raven
Age: 6 years
Sex: male
Scent: Darkness and blood
Body Type: solid sturdy shape with large head and regular ears and eyes
Pelt color: almost black grey with paler grey on chest and legs
Markings: none
Eye Color: amber
Other Details: both ears have multiple chips and he has a large scar running down one side (bangs, scars, earrings, necklaces, whatever)
Personality: arrogant, rude, disrespectful
Likes: death, injuries of others and getting his own way
Dislikes: being told what to do and wolves helping each other
Main Talent: fighting (hunting, tracking, socializing, etc.)
Weak Point(s) (at least 3): kindness, empathy, sympathy, compassion
Fear(s): being weak, dying
Song: (optional)
History: (optional)
Desired Rank: alpha
Current Rank: omega
Crush: none
Mate: none
Relatives and Pups: Ivory (little sister) (please specify)
Pic: (optional)
RP Example: Raven glared at his mother’s body lying on the ground she was stupid not to defend herself! he thought triumph lighting his gaze, he never liked her anyway and how on earth was his sister actually grieving? Raven thought she had got him, he felt like she was on his side, how could she abandon him? As a wolf came to pay his respects Raven growled how could anyone even care about that mangy mutt anyway? She was just a pile of rules and nagging, Ivory should hate her like me Raven snarled in pure hatred and felt like tearing out the throats of any wolf who dared to grieve his mother but he knew that if he left the pack then Ivory’s suffering will end, Raven vowed to himself that Ivory’s blood would be on his paws. (It is now required that, attached to your sign up, you must also write a paragraph or two of role playing. This is to see if you are literate enough to keep up with this rp, I don't want to see any chat-speak or gruesome grammar/spelling errors!)

[ENGLivesAndZERO]

Deinopius Rocks

Player name: ENGLivesAndZERO
Pack: Northern Mountains
Name: Atreus
Age: Three years
Sex: Male
Scent: Oddly... Spice? (Nobody really knows why)
Body Type: Muscular, yet lithe and agile
Pelt color: Medium-brown
Markings: Gold stripes/brindle; Silver spot on head
Eye Color: Pale blue irises (with darker blue around puppies); Dark blue pupils
Other Details: None
Personality: Quiet, curt, observant
Likes: Rocks (don't ask); Watching others; Roses
Dislikes: Being pestered; Cloudless skies; Hostile environments
Main Talent: Hunting
Weak Point(s) (at least 3): Indifferent attitude (he really just wants love); Intolerant of annoyances; Storms (namely rain)
Fear(s): He really doesn't have any, but I suppose (when he thinks about it), he's afraid of just being another silhouette in the crowd
Song: "My Way"
History: Pretty much a mystery
Desired Rank: He's actually quite content where he is... Maybe surviving long enough to become an elder?
Current Rank: Hunter
Crush: Open
Mate: Open
Relatives and Pups: Freya
Pic:
RP Example:
The male shuddered. Wind buffeted his thick pelt, and it caused a shiver to run up his spine. Beside him, a small female trotted, her splotched fur ruffled as well. Neither of the two cared to stop -- no, it would cost them too much to do so. They were both no more than a few months -- they shouldn't even be out here.
And yet... Here they were. Cold, hungry, and tired. The siblings had nowhere to go. Sure, they'd hear tales of the three packs, but... Well, the male had always thought them to be just that.
Tales.
With a weary sigh, the male closed his stormy orbs and, with a grunt, fell into the deep snow.

°°°

Player name: ENGLivesAndZERO
Pack: Northern Mountains
Name: Freya
Age: Three years (a few minutes younger than Atreus)
Sex: Female
Scent: Flowery
Body Type: Small, lithe, agile
Pelt color: Pale cream
Markings: Varying shades of brown splotches
Eye Color: Pale violet
Other Details: Small alexandrite stub in her right ear
Personality: Quiet, gentle, loving, caring
Likes: Stars; Pups; Water
Dislikes: Fights; Aggression; Storms
Main Talent: Speed
Weak Point(s) (at least 3): Small build; Slightly obsessive behavior when excited; Oh, yeah, easily excited
Fear(s): Being left alone; Being forgotten
Song: "The Parting Glass" (Sung by Emily Shields)
History: WIP
Desired Rank: She really hopes to one day have a family, so... Mother!!
Current Rank: Hunter
Crush: Open
Mate: Open
Relatives and Pups: Atreus
Pic:
RP Example:
The small female's eyes widened as her brother fell. Fear tinged the violet orbs, and -vainly- she attempted to lift the bulkier male. Unfortunately, her small form could not support that of Atreus', and the weight crushed her.
As she struggled out from under the older wolf's, her breaths began coming in short gasps.
What if she couldn't get help? What if?...
No! She couldn't think like that!
Forcing those thoughts from her mind, she pulled herself from beneath her brother. As she broke free, she stumbled. Then, with a deep breath, she threw back her head and loosed the loudest, most pleading howl she could muster.

°°°

Player name: ENGLivesAndZERO
Pack: Eastern Shore
Name: Amor
Age: Four years (nearly five)
Sex: Male
Scent: Crisp, ocean breeze
Body Type: Sleek with glossy fur
Pelt color: Gray
Markings: Rusty-brown splotches; Red-brown mask and forelegs; White strips
Eye Color: Gradient crimson (blind in left eye)
Other Details: Twin, gold eyebrow piercings (left eye); Gold bracelet with emeralds (left foreleg)
Personality: Seductive, flirtatious, playful, prankster (sum total: mischievous jerk)
Likes: Teasing others; Embarrassing others; Eyes (he really likes looking at others' eyes)
Dislikes: Mud; Blood; Filth
Main Talent: Creativity
Weak Point(s) (at least 3): Honesty; Commitment; Patience
Fear(s): Shockingly enough, he's afraid of piercings (despite him having two)
Song: "Phantom" (by NateWantsToBattle)
History: WIP
Desired Rank: Master Crafter
Current Rank: Crafter (a very well-known and popular one, at that)
Crush: Open
Mate: Open
Relatives and Pups: None
Pic:
RP Example:
Amor's eyes twitched. As he watched, the young pup he was measuring for a bracelet stumbled, knocking over a pile of precious gems. However, he kept stock-still, not showing his anger. When, at long last, the pup (and his mother) left, the oddly-marked male was alone again.
With an enraged growl, he carefully gathered the gems, keeping care to place them back /perfectly/.
When he'd put them back as they were, a soft clinking caught his attention. Whipping his head towards the newcomer, his eyes narrowed angrily. Before he could open his jaws to hurl a harsh comment for disturbing him without a prior appointment, his eye landed on a quiet female.
With a broad smile, he dipped his head.
"Ah! You've come again!" He beamed, dipping his head respectfully towards the wealthy female.

°°°

Player name: ENGLivesAndZERO
Pack: Eastern Shore
Name: Rajani
Age: Three-and-a-half years
Sex: Female
Scent: It's... Hard to describe, but it's soothing
Body Type: Oddly large -- she's taller than most males
Pelt color: Misty-black
Markings: White splash on left side of face; White- to gray on hindquarters, giving a "starry" effect; Purple tatoos
Eye Color: Green (left) and blue (right)
Other Details: Multiple silver beads in fur; Tattoos (she discovered how to make permanent tattoos); Gold bands (right foreleg); Gold earrings
Personality: Oddly gentle, motherly, protective, calming
Likes: Helping; Playing music (or, really, music in general); Pups; Singing
Dislikes: Rude/harsh beings; A lot of society; Bullies/abusers
Main Talent: Music (both playing instruments and singing)
Weak Point(s) (at least 3): Temper; Obedience; Overprotectiveness; Emotional
Fear(s): Being manipulated
Song: "Heart Of Stone"
History: WIP
Desired Rank: Honestly? She'd love to be alpha, but she really doesn't mind where she's at. So... Elder, then?
Current Rank: Instrumentalist
Crush: Open
Mate: Open
Relatives and Pups: None
Pic:
RP Example:
The dark female smiled warmly towards her elder friend. As Amor babbled about the latest beads and generations, though, her smile dwindled into that of a tired frown.
"Amor, would it be alright if I slept in the back room here? For a nap?" She asked, voice stained.
She watched as understanding flooded the fellow wolf's orbs, and he gave her a hasty nod.
"You know where to find it, Ni." He stated gently, sorry flickering behind his gaze.
The taller wolf smiled thankfully before padding towards the room he stored the most precious of his gem and stone collection. As soon as she was there, her eyes drooped.
'Gods, why did I ever sign up for this...' She thought, shaking her head at how she'd gotten in trouble for giving some omegas a bit of money.
With another shake of her head, she sunk down on the soft carpet, her heterochromatic optics closing as sleep blanketed her senses.


(In case the images don't show up, you can find the refs I made from a template here: https://sta.sh/224onkfk35u9?edit=1)

[The Royal Mirage]

((Oof it's been a while. I've finally got some free time between semesters, so I'll aim to catch up my character replies and get a few update posts out for the ones that have been on their own for a while later today or tomorrow.

As for our new signups, hi guys!

@-Taylor-; Your rp examples are a bit long-winded and have a lot of run-on sentences, but I understand that things might have changed since you originally signed up. If you're still interested in the rp and would like to edit your forms, I'll reassess them

@ENGLivesAndZero; I think you show a lot of potential, and if you're still interested in joining the rp we'd be happy to have you!))

[Mistfox]

@The Royal Mirage; I’ll edit them now, I’m pretty sure my roleplaying has improved since then but I still do tend to run on a little if I don’t have a lot to work with but I’ll try not to, if it becomes a problem just tell me

[*~WolfSoul~*]

Jesse’s attention was not trained on Gemini when Ruby and N’Obi departed, but the nervous-soft tones of the alpha’s voice at his side called him back to the present. The tall brute tilted his head, not really turning his muzzle around to face the smaller brute but one strong brow lifting as a stormy grey eye peered down over the angle of a sculpted cheekbone. There was a humoring little lift to the side of his mouth that was visible to Gemini, a softening to his expression that acknowledged the darker brute’s attempt at conversation despite his nerves.

When the alpha continued, Jesse turned his attention to him fully, pivoting a few inches and swinging the weight of his thickly muscled neck until his nose was angled more or less toward Gemini’s own. Tall ears perked astutely forward, flickering their pinkish inner hue, and intense, cool grey eyes fell to Gemini’s maw.

“Mmm,” was all the pale baron replied at first once Gemini had finished – a thoughtful, if not uncertain rumble, so deep within Jesse’s broad chest that it was almost hard to hear. He turned his gaze away for a moment, looking like he was trying to find words. “It’s clear your pack's culture is…pretty different from mine.” He said carefully after a moment’s pause. He returned his gaze to Gemini again, eyes seeking out the indigo-violet of the other wolf’s eyes this time. His expression was hard to read – a little awkward, struggling to express whatever he was thinking. Apologetic, even.

“If you want for me to get out of your way or leave you alone, you can tell me plainly.” He said at last. “You’re the alpha here, and I am not your pack. Where I come from, that has a…a different dynamic, I think, compared to here. But you don’t have to play nice. Whatever you ask of me, I will obey.”

In truth, Jesse simply could not tell what Gemini really desired of him – did he wish to be left alone, and that was why he suggested Jesse take rest? In the homeland, there was no room for such uncertainty, especially for rogues and newcomers. When the alpha spoke, he commanded.

“Well,” Jesse added, remembering again how skittish this little alpha had seemed upon their first meeting, recalling the whine of concern that had so acutely pinned his attention and the cracking of Gemini's voice. “Within reason.” Here he delivered a handsome grin, expression softening in a conspiratorial, joking kind of way, yet still genuine – a little moment created just for them, in the space between their faces. Jesse really was at a loss for how to behave in a pack like this, so different from his own. And really, he was unsure how to behave so far from home at all – off the leash, so to speak, out from under his father’s watchful eye.

(hmmm)

Pitch black paws dared not even whisper against the cool floor while the senior delta glided smoothly through the loose crowd. He was not one to arrive early and stand around, instead tending to be fashionably late, as they say – not nearly off the mark enough to be inconsiderate but delayed by just a few minutes so as not to give the impression that he felt any real urgency to show up. Really, he much preferred the relative privacy afforded to one who entered a room full of already distracted guests. No one quite had the time to disengage from their conversations fast enough to stop him on his way to wherever he felt like going.

“Phaedrus.” It was both a greeting and an announcement of his presence, for he appeared almost as if from thin air, the graceful glide of his gait allowing him to move always in silence. His voice was as deep and as smooth as ever, smoky and silken at once, the cords of a cello taken home in his throat.

He was neatly finishing the final step towards the tutor when he breathed his name. He came to an easy stop, closer than he would let himself be to someone he was less well-acquainted with than Phaedrus, yet still with a healthy distance between them. The angle of his body left his flank exposed, leaving visible the elaborate body jewelry draped effortlessly down the proud fur of his ruff and the supple curve of his back – delicately thin gold chains, arranged in a wide lattice, draped over his body with an ease and fit achieved only by custom commissions. The gold chains gleamed softly in the warm light, winked mutedly with each shift of his legs or tilt of his neck.

Though no smile yet touched the senior delta’s pitch face, his dark brows lifted gently, conveying an open, familiar welcome to the tutor he knew fairly well, though it was not often that they spent long periods of time together. The look was almost friendly, though from someone of his rank it would have been not quite appropriate to look openly glad to see someone. Coming from Abaddon, though, it was something.

“I trust you’re enjoying the celebration so far,” he murmured, the accented smoke of his voice soft but clear, polite. “And the chance to see your tutelage of the young baron begin to bear fruit.” Abaddon’s face was devoid of any jewelry save for two tiny chocolate diamonds, one in the inner corner of each eye, which brought the golden tones of his eyes to life and made an already focused gaze distractingly intense. The rest of him was groomed to perfection, luxurious black fur combed into a muted gleam.

[The Royal Mirage]

As Jesse began to speak, Gemini's pointed ears pricked with interest. He wasn't anthropology-minded, by any means, but the idea of other packs and cultures different from his own always drew his attention. Times where he felt out of place or unsuited outnumbered those where he felt truly comfortable and at home in his own pack, perhaps it was just natural to be interested in how other places fared. The mountains in particular had always been a soft point of longing for the small brute, the alphas had always been kind and the wolves looked happy, though he couldn't imagine being so high above even the tallest trees, with no canopy of leaves to shelter him.

Belatedly reading Jesse's apologetic expression, Gemini's eyes widened, brows upturned in a reflexive apology of his own. The expression strengthened as more words came out - he hadn't meant to come across as wanting to be left alone at all, or of having been playing nice. He swallowed, casting violet eyes downward and biting his lip as he tried to think of the right way to put his feelings. Was it too weak to admit that he was just painfully shy? Awkward? Socially inept? What impression would that make on Jesse, to be an alpha so obviously out of place in his position?

Gemini didn't have a chance to compose his thoughts before he realized Jesse was speaking again, looking up at the imposing brute only to be struck by the overwhelmingly sly grin on his face. His eyes seemed to haze over for a moment, cheeks rapidly warming as he returned his gaze swiftly to the ground between his paws. "I... uhm-" the stuttered response was choked back as a nervous smile twitched at the corners of his maw, the back of his mind wondering faintly why Jesse's smile should make him feel more nervous than a direct threat. What even was that weaponized charm??

He turned his head very slightly, the flash of his freckles accenting the otherwise minute motion, to meet the larger brute's gaze from beneath curling black lashes. A few breathy laughs escaped his maw, halfway incredulous that he'd just reacted so strongly, halfway relieved that the previous anxiety over how to act no longer really mattered, the previous tension shedding like frost from his body. If Jesse hadn't already realized he wasn't exactly 'confident', saying so probably wouldn't make much of a difference. "I don't plan on ordering you around," he smiled, another little breath rushing out at the idea that he could even try. "And I really don't want you out of my fur," he added, again feeling prickling heat over his face at the thought, running his small forepaw nervously over a gold-tipped ear.

---

The golden brute pulled his gaze away from his retreating pupil at the sound of his own name, turning with a gently pleased grin to the shadowy senior delta. "Abaddon," he returned with a respectful nod, tones comparatively higher than the brute's dark, smooth voice; a viola accompaniment to his cello. "Yes, I'm enjoying myself adequately. My mother, as well," he pointed out, noticing her vibrant pelt across the hall, in deep conversation with a couple other elder faes in comparable finery. "She's in good spirits, that's all I could ask for." It wasn't so long ago that Phaedrus' father had passed, but the friendly dove had begun to return to her usual self. He recalled making the arrangements for the funeral, having been the first time he had spent any lengthy amount of time with Abaddon. Though it had been a solemn occasion, he had found an odd sort of solace in the brute's steady calm, his unflinching reliability; Phaedrus might even venture to say they were past the point of mere acquaintances now. Not that he would boast about such a thing, of course.

His pupil, however, could stand to be praised a touch more, his heart warm as Abaddon made note of the young brute. While Phaedrus wasn't unpopular in his pack, there were few relationships he held as more precious than the loyal comradery of simple packmates; it brought him great pleasure to think two of the individuals he regarded more closely also got along. "Hamish has been coming along well in his lessons, I'm very pleased with him," he returned, carefully keeping the youngster's admittedly slow progress to himself. It was distasteful to spread about things others may not wish to be known about themselves, though he knew it to be a favored pastime of some of his packmates. "He's a kindhearted, earnest pup. He speaks highly of you, you know," he added, bringing the conversation back to his current company.

Sky blue orbs, slanted slightly in a properly pleased smile, appraised Abaddon's form from behind his usual spectacles. The jewelry was obviously very high quality, but what Phaedrus appreciated most was how evenly spaced each delicate chain remained from its partners, hanging perfectly in place to accentuate the elegance of the baron's strong figure. Even the way the gold highlighted the perfect, glossy black of his coat couldn't compare, the entire effect stunningly beautiful yet not showy in the slightest. It was a fine line to walk, the tutor could appreciate the amount of time it must have taken to create such an effortless yet flawless appearance. In comparison, he was dressed quite plainly; a silken blue shawl was clasped together across his broad chest with a simple gold pin, with the plush fur of his ruff pulled together to the front. He was wearing different hoops in his ears, but had kept to a minimal appearance despite the weight of the occasion.


((just keeping it short for now, don't want to ramble too much with him over finery P: ))

[*~WolfSoul~*]

Expressive brows lifted faintly when Gemini seemed almost to freeze, worried for half a moment before he watched the little alpha rapidly dissolve into stutters and a bashful, nervous smile. His brows raised another notch, surprised at such a strong reaction – he really hadn’t meant his final words to be that suggestive, intending mostly to try to ease the other brute’s palpable anxiety with a bit of playful humor.

The little shadow’s reaction, though, had Jesse’s lips beginning to twitch into a smile, not mocking but indeed a little amused, and surprised, and perhaps a little bit flattered. Jesse chuckled alongside Gemini – a deep, husky rumble that didn’t make fun but instead shared in the little moment of surprise, taking up an easy matching rhythm that echoed the alpha’s and dissipated naturally.

Grey eyes were caught, not for the first time, on the little flashes of golden freckles scattered over the baron’s dark cheeks, and it was Jesse’s turn to feel just a little stunned. If he had not been so schooled in controlling his emotions and his expressions, a reaction to the cutely bashful look of the black baron just then, peeking from under dark lashes with freckles winking and amethyst eyes shining with his laugh, might have played across Jesse’s face.

As it was, his smile only deepened slightly, with a warm quality to the expression that seemed natural to him. Jesse could both see and feel much of the anxiety that had briefly gripped the alpha slip away and was glad to see the baron a little more at ease.
I really don’t want you out of my fur. Brows that had lowered with laughter arched up again, one cocked higher than the other. Beneath, his easy grin remained. It was his turn now to feel almost a little shy.

“Oh?” His voice was relaxed, a little playful still but dialed back a notch, though it maintained all its depth and warmth. He had to assume that the shy baron had not meant that to sound quite the way it did in Jesse’s head, and didn’t want to leave Gemini feeling like he’d accidentally put himself too far forward that he couldn't step back if he wanted.

It occurred to Jesse then, after seeing such an earnestly and intensely bashful display, that it was increasingly probable that this alpha really was just as he seemed – awkward, and shy, and lacking confidence and experience in various areas. And if that were true, Jesse recognized the need to be somewhat careful with him – not as a leader or an acquaintance, but as someone who very apparently was unused to flattery and likely had a poorly-guarded heart. Suggestiveness, flirtation – they often came so easily to Jesse that he did not even realize he was using them. The compliments he’d given Gemini earlier – he’d meant them earnestly, not to flatter the alpha on a shallow level, but out of a genuine desire to give him a much-needed confidence boost. He realized now, though, that maybe he ought to be careful about just how friendly he seemed, if he could help it. Still, that playful warmth was part of Jesse, and wouldn’t be easy to turn off if he wished. Nor did he want to seem to cool suddenly, and risk bruising Gemini’s already fragile ego. Still, it felt strange to think of an alpha as vulnerable in any way.

Best not to overthink it right now, Jesse thought to himself. He continued easily, attention caught still on the play of gold over the smaller baron's cheekbones and the line of it beneath his soft eyes. "Good." Another warm grin, the deep bass of his voice gone a little gentle with the natural instinct Gemini seemed to bring out, trying not to spook him. "But I've been told I get rather annoying - let me know if that changes. Or if there's any way I can make myself useful to you, or your pack."

[The Royal Mirage]

As Jesse's own expression crinkled with returned laughter, the shyness and lingering embarrassment seemed to dissipate from his expression. Gemini's own smile widened, a boyish grin flashing from gold-flecked fur as his eyes shut with relaxed mirth; he couldn't recall the last time he'd smiled so freely, head tilted towards Jesse with open warmth. It was strange, that even though this snowy brute was a relative stranger, the young alpha could feel so at ease after a bit of laughter, especially considering it followed an egregious social blunder on his part. Perhaps it was the novelty, Jesse's newness that made him less guarded; maybe it was knowing that the intimidating yet playful brute would be gone as soon as he was well enough. The pressure to be perfect was lifted, it was almost intoxicating to feel so light.

As Jesse's words began to register, Gem opened his eyes again, amethyst meeting stormy grey. Another little laugh escaped his lips at the absurdity of the idea that this kind stranger could be annoying to him, but nodded his head nonetheless. "You've already been very helpful Jesse," he grinned, sincere in his words. Even just this fleeting glimpse of a life without worry, a life where he could blush and stammer and be a fool and the other party would just laugh it off and smile at him; this was something Gemini never knew he could appreciate so much. "But I'll be sure to let you know if I'm ready to-" part with you, cut off, the brute not quite forward enough to say something like that and glad to have kept his mouth shut for the first time in this conversation. ".. if I'm bothered in any way."

---

"Darling are you sure this is the right thing for her?" the fiery fae whispered, voice barely audible above the party's thrumming atmosphere as the decorated former warrior leaned close to her dark mate. Citrine's yellowed eyes flicked between the wine-dark orbs of the brute she had chosen, back to the dancing figures around them. While their courtship had been unexpected, she truly did love Onyx with all her heart; was it right for them to impose an arrangement on their last remaining daughter?

The dark brute sighed, his silvering maw the only sign of his age as his pitch black coat danced with violet and lavender iridescence. "She's turned down every suitor that comes her way, and she's nearing her third year now. Opal is not unpopular, but hasn't chosen to settle down; do you really think none of them ever caught her fancy?" he pointed out, voice dark and rich, calm and collected despite his own misgivings. "We've chosen a very suitable young brute, don't you think she'll be happy?"

Citrine's gaze lowered, cast down to her paws with the glittering jewels at her chest winking in her peripherals. She could only remember the last time they'd spoken of an arranged mating, and the terrible, aching loss of her prideful Amber. She couldn't help feeling they had pushed her too early, and pushed too hard - Amber had been so much like her, and yet she hadn't stopped to think how she would react to an arrangement. All she had worried about was finding her daughter a good match. And now, she had only one daughter left to worry over.

Catching the pain in her eyes, Onyx pressed his shoulder to his mate's in comfort. He knew Citrine blamed their decision for Amber's disappearance, but the two events were independent. It was a terrible, tragic loss, and perhaps his mate wanted someone to blame for it, some way to believe that the world couldn't be so cruel as to take one of their precious gems so lightly. "Opal is a loving, sweet child, Citrine. She could love anyone with a heart as big as hers." With a gentle nudge to her ear with his nose, Onyx straightened up, finally catching the eyes of another couple - Bracken and Almira - and gave a polite smile as he approached them, Citrine a heartbeat behind him.

[*~WolfSoul~*]

Abaddon gave a slow nod at Phaedrus’s first words regarding his mother – though he didn’t break eye contact to turn his head and look in the fae’s direction, attention remaining on Phaedrus instead with a warm blink to signal his acknowledgement and the gentle care found in Phaedrus’s words. Abaddon could easily recall the funeral he had overseen and through which he had guided Phaedrus and Vivienne just half a year ago.

Vivienne was indeed seeming to recover from the ordeal; being a somewhat older fae, it seemed she had gained a somewhat more relaxed attitude towards some of the pack’s stricter customs, especially after the passing of her mate. This was a fairly normal reaction, Abaddon had easily noticed throughout his years as undertaker. Death, although painful, could be liberating. Just as newborn shoots of green plant life pushed through ashy earth following a fire. Vivienne had struggled, certainly, and so had Phaedrus – Abaddon could recall fleeting, private moments between himself and the two wolves when the pain of their family member’s death had been too much. Quiet teardrops followed by hurried apologies for the indecorum – what nonsense to expect any family to hold in all their grief.

Vivienne, being older and lacking her son’s preoccupation with following every regulation perfectly, had let her grief show a bit more readily. She inspired an almost-warmth in Abaddon that was not usual for him. He was glad to have been the steadying shoulder she leaned on in those days. Phaedrus, on the other hand, had still valiantly tried to keep himself composed in those first days following his father’s death. For Phaedrus’s sake, Abaddon had not lingered on any slips in that composure that bubbled up, but sought to be a quiet, steady presence that did not judge but gave room and understanding for such things. Though, quietly, he had drunk in every moment that either of them let their masks fall, consumed by a greedy hunger, possessive almost of his privilege in being the only one to witness those most vulnerable moments.

He speaks highly of you, you know.

Abaddon had let himself ruminate a little too deeply – but he came back to the present moment easily enough, and without the slightest hint that his mind had briefly wandered its own halls. Phaedrus’s words, which had stalled just outside Abaddon’s ears like a spring coiled tight, rushed in all at once now that he’d returned his focus to the conversation at hand.
A smile – small but visibly warm – graced his face in reaction. He dipped his chin modestly, the light of his eyes blinking shut as he closed them in time with the motion, thought the tiny diamond studs sparkled subtly in the warm light all around them.

“Pups provide us with the most honest feedback we will ever receive, don’t they?” He rumbled warmly in reply, the last vestiges of his smile hanging just barely still to his lips. “I am honored to earn his high opinion. I’m quite sure he holds you in high esteem as well – I’ve seen him correct himself even when you aren’t there. He does his best.”

((Just Abby for now))

[The Royal Mirage]

Though polite, proper smiles were common in his pack, Phaedrus felt the one which graced Abaddon's elegant features was somehow more familiar and inviting than usual as he took in the praise from young Hamish. It was hard to believe that some of his packmates were uncomfortable with the undertaker, who was always so quietly caring in Phaed's experience, the perfect picture of tender-hearted dignity. Even the glossy black baron's response made Phaed's own heart swell, gaze softening as it brought to mind all the pupils he'd had the pleasure of working with over his professional career. Each one was unique, with their own desires and interests, and they had fueled his own curiosity endlessly with probing questions that the rest of the pack had learned to keep to themselves. He in particular found those moments of a pup's life to be extremely precious, and knew first hand that the unfiltered words of youth could contain the most sincere adoration.

A light flush crept over the bridge of his nose, shifting his gaze in timid acceptance of Abaddon's returned praise of his pupil; he felt honored, yet somehow strangely embarrassed, to have his treasured colleague complimenting the pup in return. "He does," he agreed, gathering himself enough to return his gaze to the shadow before him again. "His background has given me a lot more to look into as well, he asks some fascinating questions. I've added more scrolls to the library on the finer aspects of caseiculture in the last month than has been introduced since I was born, and I don't think I've really even scratched the surface." In his element, Phaedrus felt comfort reveling in his new knowledge with Abaddon; he had found that, while not all of his packmates were as eager to indulge him in his excitement over novel concepts and research, Abaddon had always listened attentively and participated in his interests with quiet gusto. Sharing his discoveries with the brute was always a joy, that often prompted new questions and ideas, such talks sending him avidly spiraling down every new rabbit hole, covetous of each nugget of knowledge found along the way.

---

The quicksilver fae slipped quietly into the medicine den, only vaguely trusting that Kirsten's wild alter ego was behind her as the whipping winds were suddenly quieted in the cozy hole in the ground. Scanning inside once her eyes had adjusted, a lash of pain stung at her heart when she noticed the little healer curled close to Amara, not wanting to wake her into this new reality, yet needing her assistance with Kirsten's condition. Truthfully, the dark fae put up a strong front, but there hovered about her the looming threat that the dove could collapse at any minute. In spite of her heart's protests, Maia padded forward to gently nudge Tanga with her nose, trying not to disturb the omega in the process. "Tanga, hey, you up?" she whispered, watching the tiny dove's dark nose twitch as she stirred from her short nap.


The shaman's eyes slowly fluttered open, heart thrumming against her chest as a vision slowly slipped from her mind, finding her way again to the waking world with Maia's soft words. She couldn't quite remember her dream, just a figure immersed in shadow as its foggy form retreated. Blinking leafy green eyes up at her adopted sibling, she quickly realized the state of distress the alphess was in. Quickly disentangling herself from Amara, she straightened up, eyes darting around the den in search of the problem. "I'm up, what's wrong?" she asked, as her eyes only - briefly, for they surely didn't linger too long on his bronzed curls - caught on Roan's sleeping figure and the quiet crackling of the fire before returning to the shimmering turquoise of the slate fae's. Though the tall dove refused to meet her gaze, face screwed up as though in guilt, and Tanga finally noticed the familiar bone mask slung to Maia's foreleg. Her heart dropped into her stomach, lungs constricting as her mind automatically went to the worst possible scenario. "...L-lilith, where-"

Maia finally met her gaze again, flinching as Tanga seemed to realize and rushing to calm down the small healer. "It's okay, Lilith's fine. She's gone ahead with Sparrow to the southern camp early," she explained, though failing to mention exactly what had send the head huntress and tracker off so suddenly. "We met up with an old packmate of ours on the scouting run, and she's a bit out of sorts." That was probably the best way Maia could describe Kirsten's condition; oddly strong, yet nothing like she would have ever expected to see from Kirsten in the past. "Do you think you can help?"

---

…’What?’ The thought echoed resoundingly in n’Obi’s head as Saber up and walked away, his smile going a bit flat in confusion before he realized the hulking brute was returning once again, carrying what could only be described as an incredible testament to the hunter’s skill. His eyes widened, smile now fully dissolved as the crafter eyed the necklace in astonishment, unable to contain himself as he leaned close to get a better look. “This is incredible,” he murmured, playfulness gone from his voice as he realized just how serious this baron must take his duties as a hunter to have amassed such an impressive collection at what was, upon closer inspection, a surprisingly young age. Golden yellow eyes flicked up to meet Saber’s, openly conveying his respect for the brute’s dedication to his path, yet also feeling somehow overwhelmed at the collection of spirits that would have gone into making such a piece of jewelry. “Is this common in your pack? To collect tokens into a single piece like this?” he wondered aloud, gaze slipping to Ruby first before finding Clarence a bit belatedly. And if so, it would make sense that Saber wore his simpler bear tooth necklace instead – such a collection of trophies would be both cumbersome for everyday wear and impractical for hunting prey. The bear tooth probably held some significance as well, thus why it would be such a singular piece.

Ruby’s maw softened from its previously clenched position as the stranger seemed to settle at the sight of Saber’s - admittedly impressive – kill necklace. Though she had lived a fairly long time in the forest now, she still hadn’t really picked up the pack’s culture and traditions. It just hadn’t been of interest to her in comparison to the behavioural freedom the pack offered compared to her birthplace. Yet now, she felt a twinge of regret, stronger than usual, that she had been unable to save the tusks from her first kill and had consequently felt like making a kill necklace was unnecessary. She had fought many fierce predators and prey since entering the forest, yet had no tangible memories of them, only fleeting stories that would surely fade with time. N’Obi’s questions had her looking to the side, feeling ashamed for once that she didn’t really know enough about her own pack to answer that question. Hopefully Clarence or Saber would cover her ignorance on the subject.