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

[Nellas]

Dorian
Dorian blinked, stiffening in surprise when Jolene nuzzled his neck, unused to the touch as unexpected as it was, but he relaxed, allowing himself to press his nose to her forehead before she drew back. A soft smile drew over his features as he listened to her, and nodded, flicking back one white-rimmed ear to the sound of a thrush’s warble. “That’s good,” he whispered back, then paused, meeting her gaze solemnly. “Have you said goodbye?” he asked simply, but that question, simple as it was, carried meaning, and admittedly, traces of guilt. He was giving Jolene her last chance to back out. Her life would be forever changed after this night. It was because of him that she was leaving her family. She would never get to go back, not ever again. Who knew if Jolene would get the chance to see her grandfather again?

[The Royal Mirage]

Jolene sighed, looking down at her paws before returning her gaze to his. "I have," she replied simply, not wanting to go into further detail for fear of breaking down in front of Dorian. She wasn't weak, not by any standards, but her grandpa was her one soft spot. "I'm ready." She gave a brave smile, a bit of sadness lining the edges, but true happiness powering the whole gesture. She wanted this. She would miss Cho dearly, but this was something she wanted more than anything, something no amount of coin could purchase.

[Nellas]

Dorian
His anxious gaze softened when he listened to her, and gently he placed one burnt auburn paw over her small creamy ones in understanding. He knew this was hard for her, and though Dorian still didn’t and perhaps never would understand why she chose to give this all up for him, he was grateful. Grateful that fate had brought them together. “Let’s go,” he said quietly, leading her quickly to the wallgate he’d already prepared with the lock-picking tools he kept tied to his forepaw. Oiled earlier, it swung open with barely a sound. He turned back to Jolene, motioning for her to follow. They could talk later, but it wasn’t a choice to dilly-dally here any longer. The more time they spent in the garden, the more dangerous it became for them.

[The Royal Mirage]

Jolene looked around her home for what may be the last time, seeing things she hadn't noticed before. It seemed odd to her, how her eyes could have changed to see cracks, plants that were cut down but refused to die. A new perspective.

She followed Dorian quickly, though as she slipped through the gate she was able to catch sight of a familiar greying muzzle poking out of a small window. She smiled softly, her eyes saying their last goodbye to the kindly old brute who had loved her as a grandfather should. She then turned to Dorian, silently asking which way they were to go next.

[Nellas]

Dorian
He smiled at Jolene quietly, forest eyes holding a new depth of emotion when he looked at her that had never been there before, for any other wolf. “It’s this way,” he said softly, beckoning with flick of his tail tip. Merry had told him to bring Jolene to a street near the main market, and from then on she would show them where their base would be made. Glancing up to the darkening late summer sky, Dorian drew his cloak more tightly around him. Did Jolene know how cold winter nights could get? A stab of regret twisted in Dorian’s heart. He should have planned this better, talked it out more- but he would protect Jolene as best he could, and his sister was on their side as well. What type of hideout had she in mind?

[The Royal Mirage]

Jolene followed, lifting her claws slightly so only the tender pads of her paws struck the worn cobbles. One thing from the pocket of her robe brushed against her side, making her jump slightly. She had packed a delicate comb made of moonstone, as a thanks to Dorian's sister. She'd never met the fae, but hoped the girt would be well received. She hadn't met a fae who didn't enjoy a lovely comb. She shuddered gently, nudging the scarlet cloak around her more tightly now as a cool wind swept over her. Something she would have to get used to.

((gahhhh, heeeaaaadd >>><<<<))

[Nellas]

((My sympathies :c))

Dorian
Dorian’s instincts made him spook slightly as Jolene jumped, and he whirled on a dime, expecting to defend her, but she seemed fine. He breathed a quick sigh of relief and quickened his pace slightly. He must be a little over-worried; nothing had happened so far. They could relax, at least, once they met up with Merry. Flashing her an apologetic smile, he continued on, mentally checking the map in his head. They were almost there.

((Not my best, sorry : /))

[The Royal Mirage]

((no worries my friend - currently have a fluffy blanket wrapped around my head))

Jolene jumped slightly when Dorian whirled, but was reassured that nothing was wrong when he turned back. Was he expecting something bad to happen, even so close to the noble's homes? Oh right, she was a street rat now. Being near noble's homes was dangerous. She padded up to his side, chancing a small question. "Dorian, where are we going?" she whispered.

[Nellas]

Dorian
He glanced down at Jolene with a little smile. “I don’t know,” he told her honestly, voice carrying a lilt that was lighter than he felt. “Merry knows a good hiding place, apparently- we’re going to meet up, and she’ll take us there.” Slowing his pace, he glanced around the cobbled streets. They were at an intersection between four possible ways- it was more crowded than he’d expected, especially for the approaching nightfall. Where was Merry? He had to give her credit, though, even though Dorian was uncomfortable with having so many wolves around in their current plight- the advantage to that was that they would be less suspicious looking.

Merry
With her sharp gaze scanning each and every wolf that passed, Merry crouched at the entrance to an alleyway, searching for her brother. Her first instinct was to look for his dark auburn coat color that was somewhat distinctive among street rats, but she knew she also has to keep an eye out for that black cloak of his. And anyway, there was only- there. Her train of thought was disrupted as she spotted her brother, with a fire-furred fae at his side. Dorian and Jolene. She rose fluidly, and slipped through the crowd to the pair. “Dorian! Jolene!”

((Sorry that took so long, the budgies knocked over their playground and I had to fix it for them ^^))

[The Royal Mirage]

Jolene's ears pricked, turning her head as she spotted another fae who had called out their names. It was hard to keep her eyes on her as she slipped through throngs of wolves. As the fae became clearer, a fox came to mind. She certainly looked quite like one with her ginger pelt and charcoal extremities. Was this Dorian's sister?