The Swallows Nest (wolf romance RP, literate, accepting)

[The Royal Mirage]

Cho sat down, his greying muzzle quirked in an uncharacteristic frown. "You're sure you want this, Jolie?" he asked gently after hearing the full tale. His granddaughter - he may never see her again. And once the word got out, she would never be able to return. She would be shunned from noble society.

Jolene nodded. "More than anything Ji-jii," she admitted, her emerald eyes pleading with him to understand. She nuzzled his grisly cheek caringly, hope overpowering the gesture.

The elder wolf sighed, hugging the slender fae to his form. "I'll go into market often to see you, keep an eye out for your old granddad," he muttered with a tiny smile, watching her face light up with happiness. "I'll get the word out, don't you fret. Just make sure you're ready to leave the moment your momma finds out."

[Nellas]

Dorian
Dorian watched Merry, trying to read her impassive emerald eyes that were just a shade darker than Jolene’s. She was evaluating his explanation, he knew, but he couldn’t see what she was thinking. If she didn’t agree to this, this extended danger and the weight of having to train a newcomer in the ways of a street rat, then he would just have to deal with it alone. It wouldn’t be hard, though he’d be sad not to keep in touch with his sister, even if it was for her own good. But no one was as good a thief as Merry, and he’d hoped she could give some tips to Jolene.
Merry
Merry bit her bottom lip, thinking hard. She knew Dorian was waiting impatiently, and he had this habit of flicking his tail unconsciously when he was impatient, which was what he was doing now. Distracting her. Finally, she nodded, her delicate features set in determination. “We can handle it,” she said shortly as confirmation. Even though she would be at risk as well, she would help. Merry wouldn’t just abandon her brother like that. Judging by the relief playing over his features that he was struggling to hide, Merry felt a stab of guilt. Had he thought she was deciding whether to leave him on his own? She hoped not. Really she was just thinking of the best possibilities to help Jolene. If Dorian thought of the noble as family, then Merry would try to as well. And she knew the best place where they could be safe, as well. “Thank you,” she heard Dorian murmur, and nodded, flashing him a quick smile. “You better be ready when it’s time to go,” she told him lightly.

[The Royal Mirage]

Later...

The clock tower tolled out its melodious chimes. One. Two. Shrouded with the deep scarlet of her cloak, Jolene made her way to the garden on light paws. Three. Four. Emerald eyes darted around, her tail flicking as her heart pounded in time with the booming bells. Five. Six. It was time.

The fae looked around for Dorian, having known Cho had sent messengers to every noble household before dinner to deliver the news. Her mother had not appeared to know anything at dinner, simply eating as she normally did. In the red silk cloak, Jolene had packed a few things she knew Dorian carried, as well as somethings she believed might be helpful. There was a curved steel dagger sheathed on the inside of her hind leg, one she had learned to use in self defense when she was but a young dove. She also carried the small satchel of coins, and in her pockets were various other items she had either thought would be necessary or refused to part with. She waited there for her Dorian to arrive.

[Nellas]

Merry
Merry watched her brother slip off into the garden, knowing it was almost time. She had climbed back up into the apple tree to watch for the pair when they came out, knowing they’d have to make a fast getaway once they did. No longer did she dabble her paw idly or gaze down at the wolves moving on the streets below; her ears were pricked, dark emerald gaze sharp as she waited. She hadn’t even told Dorian where they would make their base, lest he be caught and give it away, Merry thought she could still take care of Jolene. Anxiously, she awaited the two wolves’ return. The time was near.

Dorian
The first chime of the deep brass bells rang out, and despite himself Dorian’s heartbeat sped up, thrumming in his ears. One. He was crouched in a bush, the almost cloying thick scent of the flowers masking him completely. Two. By this time he was glancing around the garden with it’s styled trees, shrubs and flowers, searching for Jolene. Three. And then he saw her, just a hint of that silken fiery coat. Four. Dorian took a deep breath, trying to figure out how to alert her to his presence from where he was strategically placed near the back wall, near a tiny wall gate with a simple metal latch. Five. It was time, he thought with a growing smile, trying to contain his delight. It was finally time. To catch her attention without alerting possibly nearby wolves, he would try a birdcall. Cliche? Maybe. He couldn’t help but smile. Pursing his lips, Dorian mimicked the warble of a songbird with a strange little ending one normally wouldn’t hear. Six. Dorian watched Jolene anxiously as she appeared to be waiting for him. Would she catch that? He didn’t want to risk walking in the open.

[The Royal Mirage]

Jolene's ears flicked at the low warble of a bird usually found in the northern part of the city. But the end of its call was off and, turning, she spotted a slight rustle of one of the fragrant shrubs that were all around the garden. She padded forward, scarlet silk billowing around her as she moved towards it. "Dorian?" she whispered, looking around. No, none of the guards would be out now. Or at least, none would be looking at the gardens.

[xxazul63xx]

Akaila looked over at Mason, meeting his glacier and honey gaze. She gave a small smile, "I don't know.... should I?" she asked almost in the same daring tone as Mason. She turned and leaped off the deck and into the boat, scooping up a jib sheet in her paw then looking back at striped male. "I'm ready." she said simply, quickly scanning over the boat to check that everything else was ready.

[Nellas]

Dorian
Dorian grinned; he wasn’t sure whether she’d pick that up or not. The bell had stopped ringing, though the melodious echo of its chimes still sang faintly in his head. “Jolene,” he whispered, hopping out from beneath the bush, but taking care to still hang close to the wall; he couldn’t be seen now, not after all this. Then Dorian really looked at her. He caught his breath; she had donned a flowing silk cloak much like the one falling around his own shoulders, but this one of a striking scarlet colour, accenting her bright emerald eyes and fiery auburn coat perfectly. She practically shone in the dimming light as evening drew onwards, and Dorian thought he’d never seen any fae so beautiful. To imagine she was giving up the rich and comfortable life of a noble, to live with him... It was beyond Dorian. He could only be grateful, more grateful for her than he’d ever felt in his life.

[The Royal Mirage]

Jolene's eyes widened, jumping slightly when he appeared before a smile spread across her face. He came, he was really here... for her. She jumped forward, nuzzling his neck happily as she was overwhelmed with relief that he was still alive and well. She let herself revel in the safety of his spicy scent, masked with the flowers that had hidden him, before pulling away, slightly embarrassed at her emotional outburst. "Cho's sent out messengers already, at least two of the noble households know already," she whispered, looking towards the gate.

[Nellas]

((Have to go now, so sorry, I'll be posting for both in the morning.))

[The Royal Mirage]

((nuuuu :c Night))